SOLUTION: A solution of salt and water contains 18 ounces of pure salt and 36 ounces of water. How many ounces of water must be added to obtain a 24% pure salt solution? I have tried m

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Question 203260: A solution of salt and water contains 18 ounces of pure salt and 36 ounces of water. How many ounces of water must be added to obtain a 24% pure salt solution?

I have tried many different solutions and I feel there is something more needed on the right hand side of the equation, but I can't figure it out.
1) x+36
---- = 24%
x+54
2) x+18
---- = 24%
x+24
Answer by nerdybill(5410) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A solution of salt and water contains 18 ounces of pure salt and 36 ounces of water. How many ounces of water must be added to obtain a 24% pure salt solution?
.
Let x = amount of water to be added
then
"amount of salt" = 24% of "total volume"
18 = .24(18+36+x)
18 = .24(54+x)
18 = 12.96 + .24x
5.04 = .24x
21 ounces = x (amount of water to be added)