Question 1142300
<br>
(1) By the standard algebraic solution method....<br>
Use x pounds of the sunflower seeds at 0.96 per pound and (50-x) pounds of the birdseed at 0.66 per pound to make 50 pounds of the mixture at 0.86 per pound:<br>
{{{0.96(x)+0.66(50-x) = 0.86(50)}}}<br>
Solve using basic algebra; I leave that to you.<br>
(2) By a much easier method using logical reasoning....<br>
The target price of 0.86 per pound is 2/3 of the way from 0.66 per pound to 0.96 per pound.  (0.96-0.66 = 0.30; 0.86-0.66 = 0.20; 0.20/0.30 = 2/3).<br>
That means 2/3 of the mixture needs to be the more expensive sunflower seed.<br>
ANSWER: 2/3 of 50 pounds, or 33 1/3 pounds, of sunflower seeds and 16 2/3 pounds of birdseed.