Question

Meryl needs to add enough water to 11 gallons of an 18% detergent solution to make

Answer 1

To dilute an 18% detergent solution, calculate the amount of detergent present in 11 gallons, then add enough water such that the detergent comprises the desired lower percentage of the total volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is trying to dilute an 18% detergent solution by adding water to achieve a certain concentration and volume. To assist the student, we first need the final percentage concentration required, as it seems part of the question is missing. However, to solve such a problem, we calculate the amount of detergent in the original solution and then determine the total volume needed to achieve the target concentration. For example, if we have 11 gallons of an 18% solution, the amount of detergent is 11 gallons × 18% (or 0.18). To dilute this to a lower percentage, we add enough water to reach the new concentration while keeping the amount of detergent constant. Once the total volume is calculated, subtract the original 11 gallons to find how much water needs to be added.

Answer 2

The percentage here must be assumed as by volume. Therefore, it means that the solution has 0.18 gallons of detergent / gallon of solution. If Meryl needs to add 11 gallons of water then she has 2.41 gallons of detergent. Calculation is as follows:

.18 = x / x+4

Solving for x, we obtain

x = 2.41