In the following exercises, translate to a system of equations and solve.

A scientist needs 65 liters of a 15% alcohol solution. She has available a 25% and a 12% solution. How many liters of the 25% and how many liters of the 12% solutions should she mix to make the 15% solution?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The number of 25% solution is 15 litres and number of 12% solution is 50 litres.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1. Given Information  

The given data is that scientist needs 65 liters of a 15% alcohol solution. She has available a 25% and a 12% solution.

02

Step 2. Explanation 

Let number of units of 25% solution be x and number of units of 12% solution be y.

The number of units of 15% solution is 65 liters.

Thus, the total units of solution can be expressed as x+y=65--(1)

The amount of 15% solution is65×0.15=9.75

And the total amount of solution can be expressed as0.25x+0.12y=9.75--(2)

03

Step 3. Calculation   

Multiply equation (1) with number 0.25and write the revised equation.

0.25(x+y)=0.25(65)0.25x+0.25y=16.25--(3)

Solve the equation (3) and (2) by subtracting equation (2) from equation (3).

0.25x+0.25y-0.25x-0.12y=16.25-9.750.13y=6.5y=50

Substitute the value of y in equation (1) to find the value of x.

x+y=65x=65-50x=15

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free