Question

A scientist has two solutions, which she has labeled Solution A and Solution B. Each contains salt. She knows that Solution A is 55% salt and Solution B is 80% salt. She wants to obtain 130 ounces of a mixture that is 75% salt. How many ounces of each solution should she use?

Answer 1

• 26 ounces of 55% solution
• 104 ounces of 80% solution

Explanation:

Let x represent the quantity of 80% solution. Then 130-x is the amount of 55% solution. The total amount of salt in the mix is ...

0.80x +0.55(130 -x) = 0.75·130

0.25x = 0.20·130 . . . . . . . subtract 0.55(130)

x = 0.20/0.25(130) = 104

130-x = 26

She should use 26 ounces of 55% solution and 104 ounces of 80% solution.