There are two alloys, one is 1 part silver and 5 parts copper and the other 3 parts silver and 1 part copper are mixed to form 350 pounds of an alloy that is equal in silver and copper content.How many pounds of each should be used?
Lets make x equal the number times you use the 1/5 ratio alloy and y equal the number of times you use the 3/1 ratio alloy. You can make the equation (x+3y)-(5x+y)=0 and (x+3y)+(5x+y)=350 Then you can make the system of equation of: -4x+2y=0 (this is y=2x) 6x+4y=350 You can make 6x+8x=350 by through substitution and solve of x. 14x=350 x=25 (which means y=50)
that means that the weight of the 1/5 ratio alloy is 150 pounds. (25+(5x25))=150 the weight of the 3/1 ratio alloy is 200 pounds. ((50x3)+50)=200
