Final answer:
To determine the gallons of 1% milk (x) needed in the mixture to achieve a 1.5% fat concentration when mixing with 2% (y) and 3% (z) milk, we set up an equation based on the total fat content, which leads to the formula x = -(y + 3z).
Step-by-step explanation:
We have three grades of milk with different fat percentages. To find how many gallons of the 1 percent milk (x) are needed when mixed with y gallons of 2 percent milk and z gallons of 3 percent milk for a mix with a 1.5 percent fat content, we can set up an equation based on the total fat in the mixture:
Total fat from 1% milk + Total fat from 2% milk + Total fat from 3% milk = Total fat in final mixture
0.01x + 0.02y + 0.03z = 0.015(x + y + z)
This simplifies to:
0.01x + 0.02y + 0.03z = 0.015x + 0.015y + 0.015z
Rearranging terms to solve for x gives:
0.005x = 0.015y + 0.015z - 0.02y - 0.03z
Which further simplifies to:
0.005x = -0.005y - 0.015z
So:
x = -(y + 3z)
Hence, the number of gallons of 1 percent milk needed (x) in terms of gallons of the other two milks (y and z) is x = -(y + 3z).