algebra word problems?

A 4% salt solution is mixed with an 8% salt solution to obtain 400 grams of a 5% solution

a.how many grams of 4% salt solution are needed?

b. how many grams of 8% salt solution are needed?

please answer asap,, THANK YOU!!!

Comments

  • You need to find the ratio of 4% solution to 8% solution that gives 5% solution when it is mixed.

    Assume the proportion of 4% solution is x, then the proportion of 8% solution is 1-x (and the amount of 5% solution you end up with is obviously 1).

    then 4x +8(1-x) = 5 * 1

    4x + 8 - 8x = 5

    -4x = -3

    x = ¾

    Thus the final solution comprises ¾ of 4% solution and ¼ of 8% solution

    You end up with 400 grams of 5% solution.

    The amount of 4% solution = 400 * ¾ = 300 grams.

    The amount of 8% solution = 400 * ¼ = 100 grams

  • Let the amount of 8% salt solution be x grams

    Amount of 4% salt solution = (400 - x) grams

    0.08x + 0.04 ( 400 - x) = 0.05 ( 400)

    0.08x + 16 -0.04x = 20

    0.04x = 4

    x = 4 /0.04 = 100 grams

    ANSWER a) 300 grams b) 100 grams

    CHECK

    0.04 X 300 = 12

    0.08 X 100 = 8

    12 + 8 = 20

    20/400 X 100 = 5%

  • Grams of 4% solution = x

    Grams of 8% solution = y

    x + y = 400

    0.04x + 0.08y = 0.05(400)

    x + y = 400

    0.04x + 0.08y = 20

    -0.08x - 0.08y = -32

    0.04x + 0.08y = 20

    -0.04x = -12

    x = 300

    If x = 300...and x + y = 400...that means y = 100.

    Grams of 4% solution = x = 300

    Grams of 8% solution = y = 100

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