Problema Solution

A doctor prescribes an ointment that is 4% hydrocortisone. A pharmacist has 1% and 5% concentrations in stock. How many ounces of each should the pharmacist use to make a 6-ounce tube?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


x = ounces of 1% hydro-cortisone


y = ounces of 5% hydro-cortisone


x + y = 6


0.01x + 0.05y = 0.04*6


by solving the above system of equations we find:


x = 1.5 oz


y = 4.5 oz


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the pharmacist should use 1.5 oz of the 1% and 4.5 of the 5% hydro-cortisone.