SOLUTION: A chemist needs a 26% acid mixture, but his lab only has 20% and 35% solutions. If he needs a total of 80 liters of the 26% solution, how much of each percent acid does he need?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: A chemist needs a 26% acid mixture, but his lab only has 20% and 35% solutions. If he needs a total of 80 liters of the 26% solution, how much of each percent acid does he need?       Log On


   



Question 395269: A chemist needs a 26% acid mixture, but his lab only has 20% and 35% solutions. If he needs a total of 80 liters of the 26% solution, how much of each percent acid does he need?
I was thinking:
.20(x) + .35(y) = .26(80)
but I'm stuck and it just doesnt' seem like the right way to do it.

Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, stanbon:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A chemist needs a 26% acid mixture, but his lab only has 20% and 35% solutions. If he needs a total of 80 liters of the 26% solution, how much of each percent acid does he need?
I was thinking:
.20(x) + .35(y) = .26(80)
-------------------
You can use x & y
Your equation is right, and it's the way to do it.
The 2nd eqn is
x + y = 80
You can finish it, I think.

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A chemist needs a 26% acid mixture, but his lab only has 20% and 35% solutions. If he needs a total of 80 liters of the 26% solution, how much of each percent acid does he need?
---
If you want to use 2 variables you made a good start.
----
Equations:
Quantity Equation: x + y = 80 liters
Acid Equation::::0.20x+0.35y = 0.26*80
-----------------------------------------
Multiply thru 1st by 20
Multiply thru 2nd by 100
-----
20x + 20y = 20*80
20x + 35y = 26*80
----
Subtract 1st from 2nd and solve for "y":
15y = 6*80
y = 32 liters (amt. of 35% solution needed)
---
Solve for "x":
x+y = 80
x + 32 = 80
x = 48 liters (amt. of 20% solution needed)
=============================
Cheers,
Stan H.
==========