Problema Solution
In a metal alloy composed entirely of zinc and copper, 3 of every 17 pounds is zinc. If the alloy weighs 816 lbs, how many pounds of zinc and how many pounds of copper does it have?
Answer provided by our tutors
let
x = lbs of zinc in the alloy
y = lbs of copper in the alloy
the alloy weighs 816 lbs
x + y = 816
3 of every 17 pounds is zinc equals x of 816 lbs is zinc (the proportion is kept)
3 : 17 = x : 816
x = (3*816)/17
x = 144 lbs
y = 816 - 144
y = 672 lbs
the metal alloy has 144 lbs zinc and 672 lbs copper.