Question

scientist has two solutions, which she has labeled solution a and solution b. solution a is 60% salt and solution b is 85% salt. she wants to obtain 140 ounces of mixture that is 80% salt. How many ounces of each solution should she use?

Answer 1

Answer:

We have 60% salt and 85% salt solutions and we need 140 ounces of a solution that is 80% salt.

We set up 2 equations:

A) x + y = 140

B) .60x + .85y = .80 * 140

Multiply equation A) by -.60

A) -.60x -.60y = -84  then we add this to B)

B) .60x + .85y = 112

.25y = 28

y = 112 ounces of 85% salt

x = 28 ounces of 60% salt.

Double Check

112 * .85 = 95.2 AND 28 * .60 = 16.80

95.2 + 16.80 = 112

and 112/140 = 80 per cent!!

Source: http://www.1728.org/mixture.htm

 

Step-by-step explanation: