Final answer:
The question is about using mathematical modeling to determine the time at which the amount of salt in a series of interconnected tanks drops below a certain level. The model would consist of a system of differential equations representing the tanks and requires numerical methods or simulation for solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem described seems to be a typical example of a system of differential equations that can be used to model the flushing of a salt solution from a series of interconnected tanks with pure water. Since the question is asking to determine the time when the amount of salt in each tank will be less than or equal to 0.5 pounds using a tool like Maple or a graphing calculator, the approach would involve setting up and solving these equations based on the flow rates of water into and out of each tank, as well as the mixing process within the tanks.
The solution of this problem is not provided in the reference information, so it would be necessary to have the actual equations that govern the tanks' behavior to give a specific answer. Unfortunately, without the system of differential equations or flow rates for each tank, it's not possible to provide a solution.
However, the basic strategy would be to create a mathematical model representing the rates of change of the salt mass within each tank. Once the model is established, you would simulate or analyze the problem mathematically to find the time at which the concentrations fall below the 0.5 pound threshold in all tanks. The actual computation would involve integrations or the use of numerical methods.