SOLUTION: In a metal​ alloy, the ratio of zinc to copper is 3 to 14. If there are 560 lb of​ copper, how much zinc is​ there?

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Question 1151842: In a metal​ alloy, the ratio of zinc to copper is 3 to 14. If there are 560 lb of​ copper, how much zinc is​ there?
Answer by ikleyn(52787) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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According to the condition, the masses of zinc and copper in the alloy are 3x and 14x, where x is the common measure of masses.


The value of x is unknown now, but we can easily find it from the other condition of the problem


    14x = 560,


which gives  x = 560/14 = 40.


Thus the mass of zinc in the alloy is 3*40 = 120 lb.    ANSWER


Another way to setup the governing equation is THIS : 


Write the proportion


    Z%2F560 = 3%2F14,


based on the condition.


From the proportion, the mass of zinc in the alloy is


    Z = %28560%2A3%29%2F14 = 40*3 = 120 lb.      the same ANSWER

Solved.