<PRE><B>Question 183783</B>
A goldsmith has two alloys that are different purities of gold. The first is three-fourths pure gold and the second is five-twelfths pure gold. How many ounces of each should be melted and mixed in order to otain a 6 ounce mixture that is two-thirds pure gold?
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Equation:
gold + gold = gold
(3/4)x + (5/12)(6-x) = (2/3)*6

Multiply thru by 12 to get:
9x + 5(6-x) = 8*6

9x + 5*6 - 5x = 8*6

4x = 3*6

x = 9/2 = 4 1/2 oz (amt. of (3/4) pure gold in the mixture)

6-x = 6 - 4 1/2 = 1 1/2 oz (amt of (5/12) pure gold in the mixture)

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Cheers,
Stan H.
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