document.write( "Question 1161874: How much of an alloy that is 10% copper should be mixed with 400 ounces of an alloy that is 60% copper in order to get an alloy that is 20% copper
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Algebra.Com's Answer #785519 by greenestamps(13200)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! \n" ); document.write( "Here is a non-algebraic method for solving mixture problems like this. \n" ); document.write( "If you understand this method, it will get you to the answer much faster and with less work than the traditional algebraic method shown by the other tutor. \n" ); document.write( "Think of the problem this way: \n" ); document.write( "You are starting with a 60% copper alloy and you are adding 10% copper alloy, reducing the percentage of copper; you stop when the percentage reaches 20%. \n" ); document.write( "Now model that with numbers on a number line. You are starting at 60 and heading towards 10, but you stop when you get to 20. \n" ); document.write( "What fraction of the distance have you gone? From 60 to 10 is a difference of 50, the distance you went, from 60 to 20, was 40. The fraction is 40/50 = 4/5. \n" ); document.write( "That means 4/5 of the final alloy has to be the 10% alloy that you are adding. \n" ); document.write( "So the 400 ounces you started with is 1/5 of the final alloy; that means the 4/5 of the final alloy that you added is 4*400 = 1600 ounces. \n" ); document.write( "The words of explanation make this sound like a lengthy process; but it is not. Without the words of explanation, here is the complete solution: \n" ); document.write( "(1) 60 to 10 is 50; 60 to 20 is 40; 40/50 = 4/5 \n" ); document.write( "(2) 4/5 of the final alloy is the 10% alloy you are adding; that's 4 times the 400 ounces you started with -- so 1600 ounces. \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |