SOLUTION: Hi, I would just like to say thank you in advanced for your help. My question is as follows: A potting mixture contains 12% peat moss and 6% vermiculite. How much peat moss

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Hi, I would just like to say thank you in advanced for your help. My question is as follows: A potting mixture contains 12% peat moss and 6% vermiculite. How much peat moss      Log On


   

Question 1002837: Hi,
I would just like to say thank you in advanced for your help. My question is as follows:
A potting mixture contains 12% peat moss and 6% vermiculite. How much peat moss must be added to 100 kg of this mixture to produce a new mixture having 15% peat and 15% vermiculite?
Thank you again
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
* Let x be the mass in kilograms of the pure, 100% peat moss to add.

Equation for the resulting 15% peat moss in mixture
%28100%2A12%2Bx%2A100%29%2F%28x%2B100%29=15

Equation for the resulting 15% vermiculite in mixture
100%2A6%2F%28x%2B100%29=15
The trouble here is adding x kilograms of peat moss will only DILUTE the
concentration of vermiculite, so the problem description WILL NOT WORK and therefore
has NO SOLUTION.


* The real question is, how much peat moss AND how much vermiculite must be added to reach 15% for each of them?

VARIABLES: x for peat moss, y for vermiculite.

The peat moss & vermiculite system of equations will be


Now, if you can solve that system for x and y, you will be all set. Most important is to be able to formulate those equations of the system.