SOLUTION: Translate the problem into a pair of linear equations in two variables. Sove the equations using either elimination or substitution. State your answer for the specified variable.

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Question 296046: Translate the problem into a pair of linear equations in two variables. Sove the equations using either elimination or substitution. State your answer for the specified variable.
I have 2 problems I need help with.
2) An orchard operator must dilute 11 quarts of a 60% insecticide solution by adding water. How many quarts of water should be added to get a mixture that is 2% insecticide?
Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your problems are a great example for the website rules
one problem at a time. Your problems belong in different categories.
One is a distance problem and one is a mixture problem
This can be solved from the view of the insecticide or from the view of the water
First the insecticide.
11*.6=(11+w)*.02
w=319 quarts of water
Notice there is nothing added on the left. Why ? because water has 0% insecticide and 0*w=0
so from the view of the water.
60% insecticide has 40 percent non insecticide.
.4*11+w=(11+w)*.98
319 quarts of water
Using both methods is a good check on your percentages.
Let's say you put .2 instead of .02 the results would not match.
That is quite a reduction from 60% to 2 percent. Are you sure that is right? not 20 percent?