Question

One type of candy mix contains 30% Smarties by mass. A second type contains 20% Smarties by

mass. What mass of the 30% mix is required to make a 500 gram mixture that will have 24%
Smarties by mass?

Answer 1

200 grams

Explanation:

Let us represent

The number of grams of

30% smarties = x

20% smarties = y

Hence:

x + y = 500

x = 500 - y

Hence:

30% × x + 20% × y = 24% × 500

0.3x + 0.2y = 120

Substitute 500 - y for x

Hence:

0.3(500 - y) + 0.2y = 120

150 - 0.3y + 0.2y = 120

Collect like terms

- 0.3y + 0.2y = 120 - 150

- 0.1y = -30

y = -30/0.1

y = 300

Solving for x

x = 500 - y

x = 500 - 300

x = 200

Hence,

The number of grams of

30% smarties = x = 200 grams

20% smarties = y = 300 grams

Therefore:

the mass of the 30% mix is required to make a 500 gram mixture that will have 24% Smarties by mass is 200 grams