document.write( "Question 188966: A metallurgist needs to make 12.4 lb. of an alloy containing 50% gold. He is going to melt and combine one metal that is 60% gold with another metal that is 40% gold. How much of each should be used? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #141720 by Mathtut(3670)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! let x and y be the amounts of 60% and 40% gold respectively \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "x+y=12.4...........eq 1 \n" ); document.write( ".6x+.4y=.5(12.4)...eq 2 \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "rewrite eq 1 to x=12.4-y and plug into eq 2 \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( ".6(12.4-y)+.4y=6.2 \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "7.44-.6y+.4y=6.2 \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "-.2y=-1.24 \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "y=6.2 pounds of 40% gold \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "x=12.4-6.2=6.2 pounds of 60% gold \n" ); document.write( ": \n" ); document.write( "equal proportions makes perfect sense....since 50% is right in the middle of 40% and 60% \n" ); document.write( " |