Question 32042
The caterer needs to mix x lbs of the 70% cashew mixture with (60-x) lbs of the 45% cashew mixture to obtain the 60 lbs of 60% cashew mixture. Change the percentages to their decimal equivalents and write the algebraic equation to solve for x.
{{{x(0.7) + (60-x)(0.45) = 60(0.6)}}} Simplify and solve for x.
{{{0.7x + 27 - 0.45x = 36}}} Combine like-terms.
{{{0.25x + 27 = 36}}} Subtract 27 from both sides.
{{{0.25x = 9}}} Divide both sides by 0.25
{{{x = 36}}}

Answer:
The caterer should mix 36 lbs of the 70% cashew mixture with (60-36 = 24) lbs of the 45% cashew mixture to obtain 60 lbs of 60% cashew mixture.