Understanding Percentages with the TEAS ATI Mathematics Test

When preparing for the TEAS ATI Mathematics Test, one of the key skills you’ll need is proficiency in percentage calculations. You might wonder, "Why are percentages so important?" Trust me, understanding percentages helps you make sense of the world around you—like when voting is involved! Let's explore a real-world problem that’s not just about numbers but about engaged citizens shaping their communities.

Imagine a town with a total population of 51,623. Sounds like a bustling place, right? Out of this number, 9.5% voted in favor of a certain proposition. The question is: How many people is that in terms of actual residents?

Alright, here’s the step-by-step breakdown that will help you tackle similar problems. First, let's convert that percentage, 9.5%, into a decimal. How do you do that? Easy! Just divide by 100. So that gives us:

9.5% = 0.095

Now that you have your decimal, it’s time for the main action. Multiply the total population, 51,623, by this decimal:

0.095 × 51,623

Crunching those numbers gives you approximately 4,903. Pretty interesting, right? But wait—don’t just leave it hanging there. Rounding that number to the nearest hundred gives us about 4,900 people who voted.

In the context of our question, the multiple-choice answers were:
A. 3,000
B. 5,000
C. 7,000
D. 10,000

So, which one comes closest to our calculated figure of approximately 4,900? If you guessed B—5,000—you hit the nail on the head! This choice makes sense given the context, and it’s a great example of how sometimes estimates can guide us to the right answer.

But here's a thought: Why is rounding so crucial? Well, in real-life scenarios, some numbers aren’t always exact, and that's okay. Rounding helps simplify communication, making numbers easier to digest. It’s like telling a friend there's a great sale at the mall instead of specifying the exact 23% discount.

And let’s not forget how important it is to be able to interpret these numbers. Knowing that about 5,000 people voted doesn't just show us a statistic; it reflects a community's voice. Every percentage point matters in democratic participation, much like how every vote can tip the scales.

In conclusion, mastering how to work with percentages isn’t just about passing the TEAS ATI Mathematics Test. It’s also about understanding your environment, making informed decisions, and, yes, maybe even giving you a conversational nugget for when you discuss community issues.

So, as you gear up for the TEAS, remember that each percentage problem you tackle builds skills for everyday life. After all, numbers are everywhere, but understanding them? That’s real power.