Question

A milling company wants to mix alfalfa, which contains 20% protein and wheat mids, which contains 15% protein to make cattle feed. The milling company wants to make 1000 pounds of cattle feed that contains 17% protein. How many pounds of alfalfa and how many pounds of wheat mids must be used?

Answer 1

(amount) times (percentage) is the basic unit for this problem

Answer 2

we have an amount of "a" at 20%. And we have an amount "w" at 15%.

when we add these amount together they sould equal 1000 lbs total and have 17% protien.

Answer 3

a + w = 1000; this means that: a = 1000-w

a(.20) + w(.15) = 1000(.17)

(1000-w)(.20) + .15w = 170

200 - .20w + .15w = 170

-.05w = -30

.05w = 30

w = 600 lbs

a + 600 = 1000; so a = 400lbs

lets see if it works.....

400(.20) + 600(.15) = 1000(.17)

80 + 90 = 170

170 = 170 ...its good :)