Question

A scientist mixes water (containing no salt) with a solution that contains 35% salt. She wants to obtain 105 ounces of a mixture that is 15% salt. How many ounces of water and how many ounces of the 35% salt solution should she use?

Answer 1

60 oz of water to add

45 oz of 35% salt solution should be used

Explanation:

Let x = amt no. ounces in the first solution

and 105 - x = amt no. of ounces in the second solution

Ist solution contains 0% salt

2nd solution contains .35(105 - x) salt

.15(105= amt of salt in mix

So.

amt of salt in 1st solution + amt of salt in 2nd solution = amt of salt in the mix

0 + .35(105 - x) = .15(105)

Let's get rid of the fractions by multipying thru the equation by 100

35(105 - x) = 15(105)

3675 - 35x = 1575

-35x = -2100

x = 60 oz of water to add

105 - 60 = 45 oz of 35% salt solution should be used