Solve the problem.
-A chemistry department wants to make 3 L of a 17.5% basic solution by mixing a 20% solution with a 15% solution. How many liters of each type of basic solution should be used to produce the 17.5% Solution?
A)1.5 L of 15% solution and 1.5 L of 20% solution
B)1 L of 15% solution and 2 L of 20% solution
C)0.5 L of 15% solution and 2.5 L of 20% solution
D)2 L of 15% solution and 1 L of 20% solution

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To solve this, we use the equation for mixture problems: (amount of first solution * its percentage + amount of second solution * its percentage) / total amount = desired percentage. Let x be the amount of 15% solution, then (3-x) is the amount of 20% solution. The equation is: (0.15x + 0.20(3-x)) / 3 = 0.175. Solving for x gives x = 1.5, meaning 1.5 L of 15% solution and 1.5 L of 20% solution are needed.

Solve the Problem. -A Chemistry Department Wants to Make 3 L of a L