Final answer:
The question pertains to calculating the time needed for salt levels in a series of tanks to drop below a certain threshold. Without sufficient data regarding tank conditions and flow rates, it is impossible to provide an exact solution. Additional information is required to create and solve the necessary mathematical models.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around determining the time required for the amount of salt in each tank to be less than or equal to 0.5 pounds using Maple or a graphing calculator. Due to the principle of solubility equilibrium, the mathematics involved is likely related to differential equations modeling the concentration of salt as a function of time. Furthermore, such models often assume perfect mixing and continuous flow.
However, the provided information in this case is insufficient to directly compute the desired result. We would need additional details, such as the rates of flow into and out of the tanks, the initial amounts of salt in each tank, and the volume of the tanks. Without these specifics, we cannot establish the necessary equations and thus cannot determine the exact time for the salt levels to drop below 0.5 pounds.
It's worth noting that if we had the appropriate data, we could set up a system of differential equations and solve them using a numerical method or software like Maple to predict when the concentration of salt will reach the specified threshold.