Question

The U.S. produces about 5.5 million tons of apples each year. Of the total, $20\%$ is mixed with other products, with $50\%$ of the remainder used for apple juice and the other $50\%$ sold fresh. How many million tons of apples are used for apple juice? Express your answer as a decimal to the nearest tenth.

Answer 1

2.2 Million

Explanation:

First, we wish to determine what percentage of the tons of apples are used for apple juice. After 20% is mixed with other products, 80% remains. Half of this is used for apple juice; therefore, 40% of the tons of apples is used for apple juice. To calculate 40% of 5.5 million tons, we find 10% and then multiply by four. 10% = 0.55, and 0.55* 4 = 2.2. Thus, 2.2 million tons are used for apple juice.

Answer 2

2.2 million tons

Explanation:

20% of 5.5 million tons is 1.1 million tons. That is how many are mixed with other products. So that would leave you 4.4 million tons of apples.

50% of 4.4 is 2.2 so 2.2 million tons are used for apple juice.