Solving Systems of Equations: 30%, 55%, 50% Acid Mixture

In summary, to obtain 100 milliliters of a 50% acid solution, 20 milliliters of a 30% acid solution and 80 milliliters of a 55% acid solution must be mixed together. This can be determined by setting up the equations 0.3X + 0.55Y = 0.5 and X + Y = 100, and solving for X and Y. The solution is 20 milliliters of 30% acid solution and 80 milliliters of 55% acid solution.
  • #1
opticaltempest
135
0
Hello, I am stuck on the following problem.

How many milliliters of a 30% acid solution and a 55% acid solution must be mixed to obtain 100 milliliters of a 50% acid solution?

My solution:

Let X = The unknown milliliters of 30% acid.
Let Y = The unknown milliliters of 55% acid.

(1) X + Y = 100
(2) 0.3X + 0.55Y = 0.5

Multiplying (2) by 100 in order to work with integers,

(2) 30X + 55Y = 50

Multiplying (1) by -30 in order to eliminate X

(1) -30X - 30Y = -3000

So our new equations are,

(1) -30X - 30Y = -3000
(2) 30X + 55Y = 50

Adding the two equations in order to eliminate X,

25Y = -2950 => Y = -118

Back-substituting Y into (1) in order to solve for X,

-30X - 30(-118) = -3000

-30X + 3540 = -3000

-30X = -6540

X = 218

The answer in the book says:

20 milliliters of 30% acid solution and 80 milliliters of 55% acid solution.Any hints as to where I am going wrong?
 
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  • #2
opticaltempest said:
(2) 0.3X + 0.55Y = 0.5
The above part is wrong. the RHS is wrong. think?
 
  • #3
How many milliliters of a 30% acid solution and a 55% acid solution must be mixed to obtain 100 milliliters of a 50% acid solution?
For starters, let's get the right first 2 equations. I hope you understand the following:

50 = .3x + .55y
100 = x + y

y = 100 - x
50 = .3x + .55 (100 - x)
50 = .3x + 55 - .55x
-5 = -.25x
(-5/-.25) = x
x = 20
100 - 20 = y
y = 80

So it's 20 mills of 30%, and 80 mills of 55%
 
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FAQ: Solving Systems of Equations: 30%, 55%, 50% Acid Mixture

1. What is a system of equations?

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain the same variables. The goal is to find the values of the variables that make all of the equations true.

2. How do you solve a system of equations?

There are several methods for solving a system of equations, including substitution, elimination, and graphing. The most efficient method depends on the specific equations and variables involved.

3. What do the percentages in the equation represent?

The percentages in the equation represent the concentration of acid in a mixture. For example, in the equation "30%, 55%, 50% Acid Mixture", 30%, 55%, and 50% represent the concentrations of three different types of acid in the mixture.

4. Can you solve a system of equations with more than two variables?

Yes, it is possible to solve a system of equations with more than two variables. However, it may require more advanced methods and techniques to find a solution.

5. What is the importance of solving systems of equations in scientific research?

Solving systems of equations is essential in scientific research as it allows scientists to model and understand complex relationships between different variables. It is also a crucial tool in making predictions and solving real-world problems in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.

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