<PRE><B>Question 652319</B>
The ratio of the weight of sodium to that of chlorine in common table salt is 5 to 3. Find the amount of each element in a salt compound weighing 200 pounds.
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5 to 3 is the same as 5x to 3x where wt. of sodium is 5x.
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5x + 3x = 200 lbs.
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8x = 200
x = 25
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Wt of sodium = 5x = 5*25 = 125 lbs
Wt of chlorine = 3x = 3*25 = 75 lbs
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Cheers,
Stan H.</PRE>