Question

If you can get this I will give you 48 points.

A metal worker has several 1-kilogram bars of a metal alloy that contain 23% copper and several 1-kilogram bars that contain 79% copper. How many bars of each type of alloy should be melted and combined to create 48 kilograms of a 44% copper alloy? Set up and solve a system of equations to find the answer.

A. List the equations
B. Solve the systems

Answer 1

Quantity equation: t + s = 48kg
Copper equation: 23t + 79s = 44*48

Multiply the quantity equation by 23 to set the problem up for the elimination method.

23t + 23s = 23*48
23t + 79s = 44*48

Subtract to solve for s.

56s = 21*48
s = 18 [Number of 79% bars needed]
t = 48 - 18 = 30 [Number of 23% bars needed]