Question

A solution that is 80% water is mixed with another solution that is 90% water. The resulting solution is 88% water. What is the ratio of 80% solution to 90% solution in any volume of the 88% solution?

a.1:5
b. 1:4
c. 4:5
d. 8:9

Answer 1

let 'x' be the amount of solution with 80% water
'y' be the amount of solution with 90% water
you'll have the equation as:
0.80x + 0.90y = 0.88(x+y)
0.80x + 0.90y = 0.88x + 0.88y
0.90y - 0.88y = 0.88x - 0.80x
0.02y = 0.08x
divide the whole equation with 0.02
1y = 4x
therefore you'll have the ratio x:y = 1:4

Answer 2

*x:y = 4:1