SOLUTION: In chemistry 11, the following question was given: Use the accepted ratio (Mass of Magnesium oxide/ mass of magnesium = 1.65) to find the mass of magnesium that would be needed to

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: In chemistry 11, the following question was given: Use the accepted ratio (Mass of Magnesium oxide/ mass of magnesium = 1.65) to find the mass of magnesium that would be needed to      Log On


   

Question 495081: In chemistry 11, the following question was given: Use the accepted ratio (Mass of Magnesium oxide/ mass of magnesium = 1.65) to find the mass of magnesium that would be needed to combine with 16.0 grams of oxygen.
The equation would be as follows: x+16/x=1.65
According to my teacher, the answer should be 24.6 grams. I am unsure as to how to come to that answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
parentheses are in order ___ (x + 16) / x = 1.65

x is the mass of the magnesium

x + 16 is the mass of the magnesium combined with the mass of the oxygen (magnesium oxide)

1.65 is the given mass ratio

solve the equation for x ___ 1st step is multiplying by x