SOLUTION: A biologist has two brine solutions, one containing 5% salt and another containing 20% salt. How many milliliters of each solution should he mix to obtain 1 L of a solution that co

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Question 48222This question is from textbook College Algebra
: A biologist has two brine solutions, one containing 5% salt and another containing 20% salt. How many milliliters of each solution should he mix to obtain 1 L of a solution that contains 14% salt?
Thank you so much for all your help!! This question is from textbook College Algebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A biologist has two brine solutions, one containing 5% salt and another containing 20% salt. How many milliliters of each solution should he mix to obtain 1 L of a solution that contains 14% salt?
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5% solution DATA:
amount = x liters ; amount of salt = .05x liters
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20% solution DATA:
amount = 1-x liters ; amount of salt = 0.20(1-x) = 0.20 -0.20x liters
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14% solution DATA:
amount = 1 liter ; amount of salt = 0.14(1) = 0.14 liter
EQUATION:
salt + salt = salt
0.05x + 0.20-0.20x = 0.14
Multiply thru by 100 to get:
5x + 20 - 20x = 14
-15x=-6
x=2/5 = 0.4 liter (amount of 5% solution to be mixed)
1-x=0.6 liter (amount of 20% solution to be mixed)
Cheers,
Stan H.