SOLUTION: a solution that is 90% alcohol is to be mixed with one that is 40% alcohol. the chemist is preparing 100 liters of a 60% alcohol solution. How many liters of each must he use?

Question 273484: a solution that is 90% alcohol is to be mixed with one that is 40% alcohol. the chemist is preparing 100 liters of a 60% alcohol solution. How many liters of each must he use?
Answer by bobdabuildr(27) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
These types of problems help to make a chart

First find the number of liters for the 90%, then the 40%, and then the combined mixture and you will get your first equation. It should be x+y=100 since we don't know the amount of either the 90% or the 40%
Next determine the amount of alcohol that is in each solution and multiply that by the amount of liters in each solution. This will make your second equation and it should be .9x+.4y=.6(100)
Use the elimination method to solve from here
x+y=100 (multiply both sides of the first equation by -.4)
.9x+.4y=60
-___________
This is much easier to do on paper than on the computer. if you still con't figure it out, reply back with an email address and I will work it out on paper and send a scanned copy to you.

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