The ‘body mass index’ is used to find the body weight that is appropriate for a person’s height. It is calculated using the formula.

I = W (I = W divided by H squared)
H 2

Where I is the body mass, W is the person’s weight in kg, and H is the person’s height in metres.

If the body mass index is over 25, then the person is classed as overweight. What would be the maximum weight for a person who is 180 cm tall before they are classed as overweight?

1st convert 180 centimeters to meters
25= w/1.80^2
solve for w

25= w/1.8^2

Multiply both sides by 1.8^2

This will cancel on the right and give
25 (1.8^2) = w

Now multiply it out to get

25 ( 3.24)= w
81Kg = w
Anyone over 81 Kg is overweight