Two different gasohol mixtures are available. One contains 5% alcohol and the other 12% alcohol. How much of each should be mixed to obtain 1500 gal of gasohol containing 10% alcohol?
A) 429 gal 5%; 1071 gal 12%
B) 625 gal 5%; 875 gal 12%
C) 75 gal 5%; 180 gal 12%
D) 1071 gal 5%; 1071 gal 12%

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To solve this, we use the equation for mixture problems: amount of pure substance = concentration * total amount. Let x be the amount of 5% alcohol mixture, then (1500 - x) is the amount of 12% alcohol mixture. The equation is 0.05x + 0.12(1500 - x) = 0.10 * 1500. Solving for x gives x = 429 gal of 5% and 1500 - 429 = 1071 gal of 12%.

Two Different Gasohol Mixtures Are Available