Question

How many gallons of a 5% solution must be mixed with 26 gallons of a 3% solution to obtain a 4% solution? I keep coming up with 13 what am I doing wrong? Thanks

Answer 1

not sure what equation you are trying to solve, but we can do this without much trouble i think

Answer 2

put x = amount of 5% solution you add, it will contribute
\[.05x\] to the total. you already have 3% of 26 gallons, and 3% of 26 is
\[.03\times 26=.78\]

Answer 3

once you add x gallons to 26 gallons you will have
\[26+x\] gallons, and you want that to be 4% solution, so set
\[.05x+.78=.04(26+x)\] and solve for x

Answer 4

i get x = 26

Answer 5

which stands to reason because if you have 26 gallons of 3% and mix it with 26 gallons of 5% you ought to get 52 gallons of 4%

Answer 6

Thank you! That is what I get after rewriting my equation. Thanks again!!!

Answer 7

yw