appleid
VeritasPrepDennis
Here is a better problem that ilustrates the concept.
Say you have unlimited quantities of 15% HCL (hydro-chloric acid) and 50% HCL. How many gallons of the 15% HCL will you need to use to make 7 gallons of a 30% HCL solution?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
E) 5 2/3
As of your new problem,
Let x = gal of 15% HCL, we need the value of x.
Method 2: Using normal WA
15 (x) + 50 (y) = 30 (x+y) #we know x+y = 7, but should we use that value here?
15x + 50y = 30x + 30y
20y = 15x
x/y = 20/15
x/y = 4/3
x : y = 4 : 3
Method 1: Using differentials:
x (+15) + y (-20) = 0
15x - 20y =0
15 * 4 - 20 * 3 = 0
x=4
y=3
Answer : C) 4
Correct?
appleid -
Yes, C is the answer. Notice how this question utilizes the relationship of the numbers.
In method #2, you asked if you needed to use the x + y = 7. Yes, in this case, you would use the series of equations (.15)x + (.50)y = (.30)(x+y) and x +y=7 to solve: two varialbles requires two equations.
For me, it is simpler to use the number line and ratio concept (more of a conceptual or visual thinker) than the abstract, formula approach. But either works!