.

# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer

1
6 years from now John will be 15 years old.
In 9 years, the sum of the ages of John and Pearl will be 38.
How old is Pearl right now?
11


Solution
John + 6 = 15
John = 15 - 6 = 9
(John + 9) + (Pearl + 9) = 38
(9 + 9) + (Pearl + 9) = 38
Pearl + 27 = 38
Pearl = 38 - 27 = 11
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
2
5 years from now Miguel will be 17 years old.
In 13 years, the sum of the ages of Miguel and Pearl will be 64.
How old is Pearl right now?
26


Solution
Miguel + 5 = 17
Miguel = 17 - 5 = 12
(Miguel + 13) + (Pearl + 13) = 64
(12 + 13) + (Pearl + 13) = 64
Pearl + 38 = 64
Pearl = 64 - 38 = 26

# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
1
15 years from now Peter will be twice as old as Miguel.
The current sum of the ages of Peter and Miguel is 18.
How old is Miguel right now?
1


Solution
Peter + 15 = 2 (Miguel + 15)
Peter + Miguel = 18
Peter = 18 - Miguel
18 - Miguel + 15 = 2 (Miguel + 15)
33 - Miguel = 2 Miguel + 30
33 = 3 Miguel + 30
3 Miguel = 33 - 30 = 3
Miguel = 1
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
2
12 years from now Tiffany will be twice as old as Maria.
The current sum of the ages of Tiffany and Maria is 57.
How old is Maria right now?
15


Solution
Tiffany + 12 = 2 (Maria + 12)
Tiffany + Maria = 57
Tiffany = 57 - Maria
57 - Maria + 12 = 2 (Maria + 12)
69 - Maria = 2 Maria + 24
69 = 3 Maria + 24
3 Maria = 69 - 24 = 45
Maria = 15

Solve the following age problems.
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
1
9 years from now Sharon will be 18 years old.
In 6 years, the sum of the ages of Sharon and Paul will be 71.
How old is Paul right now?
50


Solution
Sharon + 9 = 18
Sharon = 18 - 9 = 9
(Sharon + 6) + (Paul + 6) = 71
(9 + 6) + (Paul + 6) = 71
Paul + 21 = 71
Paul = 71 - 21 = 50
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
2
6 years from now Peter will be 43 years old.
In 13 years, the sum of the ages of Peter and Steven will be 87.
How old is Steven right now?
24


Solution
Peter + 6 = 43
Peter = 43 - 6 = 37
(Peter + 13) + (Steven + 13) = 87
(37 + 13) + (Steven + 13) = 87
Steven + 63 = 87
Steven = 87 - 63 = 24

Cary is 9 years older than Dan. In 7 years, the sum of their ages will equal 93.
Find both of their ages now.

x = Dan's age now
x + 9 = Cary's age now {Cary is 9 yrs older than Dan}

x + 7 = Dan's age in 7 years
x + 16 = Cary's age in 7 years

x + 7 + x + 16 = 93 {in seven years the sum of their ages will be 93}
2x + 23 = 93 {combined like terms}
2x = 70 {subtracted 23 from both sides}
x = 35 {divided both sides by 35}
x + 9 = 44 {substituted 35, in for x, into x + 9}

Dan is 35
Cary is 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred is 4 times as old as his niece, Selma. Ten years from now,
he will be twice as old as she will be. How old is each now?

x = Selma's age now
4x = Fred's age now {Fred is 4 times as old as Selma}

x + 10 = Selma's age in 10 years
4x + 10 = Fred's age in 10 years

4x + 10 = 2(x + 10) {his age in 10 yrs is twice her age in 10 years}
4x + 10 = 2x + 20 {used distributive property}
2x + 10 = 20 {subtracted 2x from both sides}
2x = 10 {subtracted 10 from both sides}
x = 5 {divided both sides by 2}
4x = 20 {substituted 5, in for x, into 4x}

Selma is 5 now
Fred is 20 now
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An eagle is 4 times as old as a falcon. Three years ago,
the eagle was 7 times as old as the falcon. Find the present
age of each bird.

x = falcon's age now
4x = eagle's age now {the eagle is 4 times as old as falcon}

x - 3 = falcon's age 3 years ago
4x - 3 = eagle's age 3 years ago

4x 3 = 7(x 3) {three years ago, eagle was 7 times the falcon}
4x 3 = 7x 21 {used distributive property}
4x = 7x -18 {added 3 to both sides}
-3x = -18 {subtracted 7x from both sides}
x = 6 {divided both sides by -3}
4x = 24 {substituted 6, in for x, into 4x}

falcon is 6 now
eagle is 24 now
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brenda is 4 years older than Walter, and Carol is twice as old
as Brenda. Three years ago, the sum of their ages was 35.
How old is each now?

x = Walter's age now
x + 4 = Brenda's age now {Brenda is 4 yrs older than Walter}
2(x + 4) = 2x + 8 = Carol's age now {Carol is twice as old as Brenda, used distributive property}

x - 3 = Walter's age 3 years ago {subtracted 3 from x}
x + 1 = Brenda's age 3 years ago {subtracted 3 from x + 4}
2x + 5 = Carol's age 3 years ago {subtracted 3 from 2x + 8}

(x - 3) + (x + 1) + (2x + 5) = 35 {sum of ages, 3 years ago, was 35}
x - 3 + x + 1 + 2x + 5 = 35 {took out parentheses}
4x + 3 = 35 {combined like terms}
4x = 32 {subtracted 3 from both sides}
x = 8 = Walter now {divided both sides by 4}
x + 4 = 12 = Brenda now {substituted 8, in for x, into x + 4}
2(x + 4) = 24 = Carol now {substituted 8, in for x, into 2(x + 4)}

Walter is 8 now
Brenda is 12 now
Carol is 24 now

Problem1.
Five years ago, Johns age was half of the age he will be in 8 years. How old is he now?
Solution: Step 1: Let x be Johns age now. Look at the question and put the relevant expressions above it.

Step 2: Write out the equation.

Answer: John is now 18 years old.
Problem 2. John is twice as old as his friend Peter. Peter is 5 years older than Alice. In 5 years, John will be three times as old as Alice. How old is Peter now?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table.
age now age in 5 yrs
John
Peter
Alice
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
John is twice as old as his friend Peter. Peter is 5 years older than Alice. In 5 years, John will be three times as old as Alice. How old is Peter now?
Let x be Peters age now. Add 5 to get the ages in 5 yrs.
age now age in 5 yrs
John 2x 2x + 5
Peter x x + 5
Alice x 5 x 5 + 5
Write the new relationship in an equation using the ages in 5 yrs.
In 5 years, John will be three times as old as Alice.
2x + 5 = 3(x 5 + 5)
2x + 5 = 3x
x = 5 Answer: Peter is now 5 years old.

Problem 3. Johns father is 5 times older than John and John is twice as old as his sister Alice. In two years time, the sum of their ages will be 58. How old is
John now?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table.
age now age in 2 yrs
Johns father
John
Alice
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
Johns father is 5 times older than John and John is twice as old as his sister Alice. In two years time, the sum of their ages will be 58. How old is John now?
Let x be Johns age now. Add 2 to get the ages in 2 yrs.
age now age in 2 yrs
Johns father 5x 5x + 2
John x x + 2
Alice

Write the new relationship in an equation using the ages in 2 yrs.
In two years time, the sum of their ages will be 58.
Answer: John is now 8 years old.

MIXTURE PROBLEM
Problem 1: How many liters of 20% alcohol solution should be added to 40 liters of a 50% alcohol solution to make a 30% solution?
Solution to Problem 1:
Let x be the quantity of the 20% alcohol solution to be added to the 40 liters of a 50% alcohol. Let y be the quantity of the final 30% solution. Hence

x + 40 = y
We shall now express mathematically that the quantity of alcohol in x liters plus the quantity of alcohol in the 40 liters is equal to the quantity of alcohol in y
liters. But remember the alcohol is measured in percentage term.

20% x + 50% * 40 = 30% y
Substitute y by x + 40 in the last equation to obtain.

20% x + 50% * 40 = 30% (x + 40)
Change percentages into fractions.

20 x / 100 + 50 * 40 / 100= 30 x / 100 + 30 * 40 / 100
Mutliply all terms by 100 to simplify.

20 x + 50 * 40 = 30 x + 30 * 40
Solve for x.

x = 80 liters Answer: 80 liters of 20% alcohol is be added to 40 liters of a 50% alcohol solution to make a 30% solution.
Problem 2: John wants to make a 100 ml of 5% alcohol solution mixing a quantity of a 2% alcohol solution with a 7% alcohol solution. What are the
quantities of each of the two solutions (2% and 7%) he has to use?
Solution to Problem 2:
Let x and y be the quatities of the 2% and 7% aclohol solutions to be used to make 100 ml. Hence

x + y = 100
We now write mathematically that the quantity of alcohol in x ml plus the quantity of alcohol in y ml is equal to the quantity of alcohol in 100 ml.

2% x + 7% y = 5% 100
The first equation gives y = 100 - x. Substitute in the last equation to obtain

2% x + 7% (100 - x) = 5% 100
Multiply by 100 and simplify

2 x + 700 - 7 x = 5 * 100
Solve for x

x = 40 ml
Substitute x by 40 in the first equation to find y

y = 100 - x = 60 ml
Problem 3: Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver. How many grams of Sterling Silver must be mixed to a 90% Silver alloy to obtain a 500g of a 91% Silver
alloy?
Solution to Problem 3:
Let x and y be the weights, in grams, of sterling silver and of the 90% alloy to make the 500 grams at 91%. Hence

x + y =500
The number of grams of pure silver in x plus the number of grams of pure silver in y is equal to the number of grams of pure silver in the 500 grams. The
pure silver is given in percentage forms. Hence

92.5% x + 90% y = 91% 500
Substitute y by 500 - x in the last equation to write

92.5% x + 90% (500 - x) = 91% 500
Simplify and solve
92.5 x + 45000 - 90 x = 45500

x = 200 grams.
200 grams of Sterling Silver is needed to make the 91% alloy.
Problem 4: How many Kilograms of Pure water is to be added to 100 Kilograms of a 30% saline solution to make it a 10% saline solution.
Solution to Problem 4:
Let x be the weights, in Kilograms, of pure water to be added. Let y be the weight, in Kilograms, of the 10% solution. Hence

x + 100 = y
Let us now express the fact that the amount of salt in the pure water (which 0) plus the amount of salt in the 30% solution is equal to the amount of salt in
the final saline solution at 10%.

0 + 30% 100 = 10% y
Substitute y by x + 100 in the last equation and solve.

30% 100 = 10% (x + 100)
Solve for x.

x = 200 Kilograms.
Problem 5: A 50 ml after-shave lotion at 30% alcohol is mixed with 30 ml of pure water. What is the percentage of alcohol in the new solution?
Solution to Problem 5:
The amount of the final mixture is given by

50 ml + 30 ml = 80 ml
The amount of alcohol is equal to the amount of alcohol in pure water ( which is 0) plus the amount of alcohol in the 30% sol ution. Let x be the percentage of
alcohol in the final solution. Hence

0 + 30% 50 ml = x (80)
Solve for x

x = 0.1817 = 18.75%
Problem 6: You add x ml of a 25% alcohol solution to a 200 ml of a 10% alcohol solution to obtain another solution. Find the amount of alcohol in the final
solution in terms of x. Find the ratio, in terms of x, of the alcohol in the final solution to the total amount of the solution. What do you think will happen if x is
very large? Find x so that the final solution has a percentage of 15%.
Solution to Problem 6:
Let us first find the amount of alcohol in the 10% solution of 200 ml.

200 * 10% = 20 ml
The amount of alcohol in the x ml of 25% solution is given by

25% x = 0.25 x
The total amount of alcohol in the final solution is given by

20 + 0.25 x
The ratio of alcohol in the final solution to the total amount of the solution is given by

[ ( 20 + 0.25 x ) / (x + 200)]
If x becomes very large in the above formula for the ratio, then the ratio becomes close to 0.25 or 25% (The above function is a rational function and 0.25 is
its horizontal asymptote). This means that if you increase the amount x of the 25% solution, this will dominate and the final solution will be very close to a
25% solution.
To have a percentage of 15%, we need to have

[ ( 20 + 0.25 x ) / (x + 200)] = 15% = 0.15
Solve the above equation for x

20 + 0.25 x = 0.15 * (x + 200)

x = 100 ml
Mixture Problems: Example 1:
John has 20 ounces of a 20% of salt solution, How much salt should he add to make it a 25% solution?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table for salt.
original added result
concentration
amount
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
John has 20 ounces of a 20% of salt solution. How much salt should he add to make it a 25% solution?
The salt added is 100% salt, which is 1 in decimal.
Change all the percent to decimals
Let x = amount of salt added. The result would be 20 + x.
original added result
concentration 0.2 1 0.25
amount 20 x 20 + x
Step 3: Multiply down each column.
original added result
concentration 0.2 1 0.25
amount 20 x 20 + x
multiply 0.2 20 1 x 0.25(20 + x)
Step 4: original + added = result
0.2 20 + 1 x = 0.25(20 + x)
4 + x = 5 + 0.25x
x 0.25x = 5 4
0.75x = 1

Answer: He should add ounces of salt.
Removing From The Solution
Mixture Problems: Example 2:
John has 20 ounces of a 20% of salt solution. How much water should he evaporate to make it a 30% solution?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table for water. The water is removed from the original.
original removed result
concentration
amount
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
John has 20 ounces of a 20% of salt solution. How much water should he evaporate to make it a 30% solution?
The original concentration of water is 100% 20% = 80%
The resulted concentration of water is 100% 30% = 70%
The water evaporated is 100% water, which is 1 in decimal.
Change all the percent to decimals.
Let x = amount of water evaporated. The result would be 20 x.
original removed result
concentration 0.8 1 0.7
amount 20 x 20 x
Step 3: Multiply down each column.
original removed result
concentration 0.8 1 0.7
amount 20 x 20 x
multiply 0.8 20 1 x 0.70(20 x)
Step 4: Since the water is removed, we need to subtract
original removed = result
0.8 20 1 x = 0.70(20 x)
16 x = 14 0.7x
x 0.7x = 16 14
0.3x = 2

Answer: He should evaporate 6.67 ounces of water.
Replacing The Solution
Mixture Problems: Example 3:
A tank has a capacity of 10 gallons. When it is full, it contains 15% alcohol. How many gallons must be replaced by an 80% alcohol solution to give 10 gallons
of 70% solution?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table for alcohol. The alcohol is replaced i.e. removed and added.
original removed added result
concentration
amount
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
A tank has a capacity of 10 gallons. When it is full, it contains 15% alcohol. How many gallons must be replaced by an 80% alcohol solution to give 10 gallons
of 70% solution?
Change all the percent to decimals.
Let x = amount of alcohol solution replaced.
original removed added result
concentration 0.15 0.15 0.8 0.7
amount 10 x x 10
Step 3: Multiply down each column.
original removed added result
concentration 0.15 0.15 0.8 0.7
amount 10 x x 10
multiply 0.15 10 0.15 x 0.8 x 0.7 10
Step 4: Since the alcohol solution is replaced, we need to subtract and add.
original removed + added = result
0.15 10 0.15 x + 0.8 x = 0.7 10
1.5 0.15x + 0.8x = 7
0.8x 0.15x = 7 1.5
0.65x = 5.5

Answer: 8.46 gallons of alcohol solution needs to be replaced.
Mixing Quantities Of Different Costs
Mixture Problems: Example 4:
How many pounds of chocolate worth $1.20 a pound must be mixed with 10 pounds of chocolate worth 90 cents a pound to produce a mixture worth $1.00 a
pound?
Solution:
Step 1: Set up a table for different types of chocolate.
original added result
cost
amount
Step 2: Fill in the table with information given in the question.
How many pounds of chocolate worth $1.20 a pound must be mixed with 10 pounds of chocolate worth 90 cents a pound to produce a mixture worth $1.00 a
pound?
Let x = amount of chocolate added.
original added result
cost 0.9 1.2 1
amount 10 x x + 10
Step 3: Multiply down each column.
original added result
cost 0.9 1.2 1
amount 10 x x + 10
multiply 0.9 10 1.2 x 1 (x + 10)
Step 4: original + added = result
0.9 10 + 1.2 x = 1 (x + 10)
9 + 1.2x = x + 10
1.2x x = 10 - 9
0.2x = 1

Answer: 5 pounds of the $1.20 chocolate needs to be added.
Problem:
A chemistry experiment calls for a 30% sulfuric acid solution. If the lab supply room has only 50% and 20% sulfuric acid solutions on hand, how
much of each should be mixed to obtain 12 liters of a 30% solution?

Solution:
Let x be the number of liters of the 50% solution to be used.
Let y be the number of liters of the 20% solution to be used.
Note that x + y = 12 because we want a total of 12 liters. We can use this equation anytime we want to for now for simplicity lets keep using y.
12 liters which is 30% sulfuric acid contains (.3)(12) liters of sulfuric acid.
x liters which is 50% sulfuric acid contains (.5)x liters of sulfuric acid.
y liters which is 20% sulfuric acid contains (.2)y liters of sulfuric acid.
Note we will mix x liters with y liters to obtain 12 liters.
This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation.
(.3)(12) = (.5)x + (.2)y .
Now replace y with 12 - x to obtain
(.3)(12) = (.5)x + (.2)(12 x)
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we need only solve this equation for x and then calculate y
Multiply both sides by 10 and do some of the multiplications and additions to obtain
36 = 5x + 24 2x 12 = 3x x = 4 and then it follows that y = 8.
Problem:
How many gallons of a 3% salt solution must be mixed with 50 gallons of a 7% solution to obtain a 5% solution?

Solution:
Let x be the number of gallons of the 3% solution to be added to the 50 gallons of 7% solution.
Note that the result will be (x + 50) gallons.
The desired amount of salt in this (x + 50) gallons is 5% of (x + 50) or (.05)(x + 50)
The amount of salt contributed by the two components of the mixture will be:
3% of x gallons or (.03)x and 7% of 50 gallons or (.07)(50)
The amount of salt contributed by the two components must equal the desired amount of salt in the final mixture.
This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation:
(.05)(x + 50) = (.03)x + (.07)(50)
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we simply solve this equation. Begin by multiplying both sides of the equation by 100 to get rid of the decimals
(.05)(x + 50) = (.03)x + (.07)(50) 5(x + 50) = 3x +(7)(50) 5x + 250 = 3x + 350 2x = 100 x = 50
Problem:
To make low fat cottage cheese, milk containing 4% butterfat is mixed with 10 gallons of milk containing 1% butterfat to obtain a mixture
containing 2% butterfat. How many gallons of the richer milk is used.

Solution:
Let x be the number of gallons of 4% milk to be used. The final mixture will then be (10 + x) gallons and we want it to contain 2% butterfat.
The amount of butterfat in the final solution must be 2% of (10 + x) gallons or (.02)(10 + x)
The amount of butterfat contributed by the 10 gallons of 1% milk is (.01)(10)
The amount of butterfat contributed by the x gallons of 4% milk is (.04)(x)
This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation
(.02)(10 + x) = (.01)(10) + (.04)(x)
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we simply solve this equation. Begin by multiplying both sides of the equation by 100 to get rid of the decimals
(.02)(10 + x) = (.01)(10) + (.04)(x) 2(10 + x) = 1(10) + 4x 20 + 2x = 10 + 4x 10 = 2x x = 5
Problem:
A 100% concentrate is to be mixed with a mixture having a concentration of 40% to obtain 55 gallons of a mixture with a concentration of 75%.
How much of the 100% concentrate will be needed?
Solution:
Let x be the amount of the 100% concentrate to be used.
Then 55 x is the amount of the 40% solution to be used.
The amount of concentrate contributed by the 100% solution is 100% of x or simply x.
The amount of concentrate contributed by the 40% solution is 40% of (55 x) or simply (.4)(55 x).
The total amount of concentrate is the sum of these two contributions, so the total is x + (.4)(55 x).
However, the total amount of concentrate in the final solution is required to be 75% of 55 gallons or (.75)(55).
This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation
x + (.4)(55 x) = (.75)(55)
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we solve this equation. Begin by multiplying both sides of the equation by 100 to get rid of the decimals.
x + (.4)(55 x) = (.75)(55) 100x + (40)(55 x) = (75)(55) 100x + 2200 40x = 4125 60x = 1925 x = 32.08 gallons
Problem:
A grocer mixes peanuts that cost $2.49 per pound and walnuts that cost $3.89 per pound to make 100 pounds of a mixture that costs $3.19 per
pound. How much of each kind of nut is put into the mixture?

Solution:
Let x be the amount of peanuts to be put into the mixture.
Then 100 x is the amount of walnuts put into the mixture.
The cost of the peanuts in the mixture is 2.49x
The cost of the walnuts in the mixture is 3.89(100 x)
The total cost contributed by the peanuts and walnuts is 2.49x + 3.89(100 x).
However, the total cost of the final mixture is required to be (3.19)(100) or 319.
This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation
2.49x + 3.89(100 x) = 319
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we solve this equation. Begin by multiplying both sides of the equation by 100 to get rid of the decimals.
2.49x +3.89(100 x) = 319 249x + 389(100 x) = 31900 249x + 38900 389x =31900
-140x = - 7000 x = 50.
So 50 pounds of peanuts and 50 pounds of walnuts must be used to obtain 100 pounds costing $3.19 per pound.Problem:
A forester mixes gasoline and oil to make 2 gallons of mixture for his two-cycle chain-saw engine. This mixture is 32 parts gasoline and 1 part
two-cycle oil. How much gasoline must be added to bring the mixture to 40 parts gasoline and 1 part oil?
Solution:
Let x be the amount of gasoline to be added.
The total amount of mixture will then be x + 2 gallons.
The concept of 32 parts gasoline and 1 part oil in the original mixture, quite naturally suggests that we should consider each gallon as being divided into 33
equal parts. The total amount of gasoline in the two gallons of the original mixture is then 32 + 32 = 64 parts.

When we add x gallons of gasoline to the mixture we will have gallons of gasoline in the final mixture.

This completes the analysis of the problem and we are now in a position to model the mixture problem with an equation
as the mathematical model for this mixture problem.
Now we solve this equation.



.



The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 11. If we interchange the digits then the new number formed is 45 less than the original. Find the original
number.
Solution:
Step 1: Assign variables :
Let x = ones digit
t = tens digit
Sentence: The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 11.
x + t = 11
Isolate variable x
x = 11 t (equation 1)

Step 2: Convert digits to number
Original number = t 10 + x
Interchanged number = x 10 + t
Sentence: If we interchange the digits then the new number formed is 45 less than the original.
Interchanged = Original 45
x 10 + t = t 10 + x 45
10x + t = 10t + x 45
10x x + t = 10t 45 (x to both sides)
10x x = 10t t 45 ( t to both sides)
10x x + 45 = 10t t (+ 45 to both sides)
10t t = 10x x + 45 (Rewrite equation with t on the left hand side)
Combine like terms
10t t = 10x x + 45
9t = 9x + 45 (equation 2)
Substitute equation 1 into equation 2
9t = 9(11 t) + 45
9t = 99 9t + 45
Isolate variable t
9t + 9t = 99 + 45
18t = 144

The tens digit is 8. The ones digit is 11 8 = 3
Answer: The number is 83.
64
So we have gallons of gasoline in the original mixture.
33
64
x +
33
40
But the final mixture is to contain (x +2) gallons of gasoline.
41
| |
|
\ .
40 64
( 2)
41 33
x x
| |
|
\ .
+ = +
40 64 (40 80) 33 64
( 2) 33(40 80) 41(33 64)
41 33 41 33
x x
x x x x
| |
|
\ .
+ +
+ = + = + = +
16
1320 2640 1353 2624 16 33 gallons
33
x x x x + = + = =
16
Therefore the forester should add of a gallon of gasoline to get the desired 40 to 1 mixture.
33
64 16
Notice that we started with gallons of gasoline and added gallons of gasoline
33 33
80
So we have a total of gallons of gasoline in the final mixture.
33
2
We also have the original gallons of oil.
33
The ratio is 80 to 2 or in reduced form 40 to 1 as desired.
1. The tens digit of a two-digit number is 5 more that the units digit. If 3 is subtracted from the number and 2 is added to the reversed number, the former will be
twice the latter. What is the number?
Let x represent the two digit number
Let AB also repesent the two digit number

A = B+5

So, we have 0 <= B <= 4

x-3 = 10*A + B - 3
Reverse(x)+2 = 10*B + A + 2

10*A+B-3 = 2*(10*B+A+2)
8*A-19*B = 7

Two unknowns...two equations...matrix time (or plug in for A)..

8*(B+5)-19*B = 7
11*B = 33
B = 3
A = 8

x = 83 it is!
Problem: We are told that a certain two-digit number has a value that is three times the sum of its digits. Also, the units digit is one more than tree
times the tens digit. Find the number.
.
Solution: Solving "sum of digits" problems hinges on remembering that any "number" is simply a visual representation of the number of ones, the
number of tens, the number of hundreds, etc. A two-digit number, for example 23, really means 10*2 + 1*3 = 23.
.
To solve this problem, let x = tens, and y = ones. We would write the number as xy = 23, Each x is valued at 10x, and y is valued at 1. So the
representation 23 would mean 10*2 + 3*1.
.
Note well that, for this problem, when we show 'xy', we only mean 'x' sitting next to 'y', not x times y.
.
We also are told the two-digit number, xy, that has a value '3 times the sum of its digits'. That means the value of the expression is 3 * sum of digits.
.
The sum of digits is simply x + y. So, 3 times the sum of digits is just 3*(x+y) or 3(x+y).
.
Since we know each x is worth 10 and each y is worth 1, then we can say the numeric value is:
10x + y = 3 * (x + y)
.
At this point we have only one equation, but it has two unknowns. That is unsolvable.
.
But looking back at the problem we see another relationship is given. The units digit (y) is one more (+1) than 3 times the tens digit (3x). So, y = 3x+1
.
Now we can substitute that fact into our equation.
.
10x + 3x+1 = 3 * (x + 3x+1)
10x + 3x +1 = 3x + 9x + 3
13x + 1 = 12x + 3
x = 2
.
We know from the setup that:
y = 3x + 1
y = 3*2 + 1
y = 7
.
Now we have a solution: the 2-digit number is xy = 27.
.
Again, remember this is not x times y, but just x beside y.
.
Always check your work to determine the proposed solution is the correct answer.
.
What is the sum of digits? 2+7 = 9
What is 3 times the sum of digits? 3*(2+7) = 27
Is that the same as xy? Yes.
So the solution is the answer we were seeking.
.
Answer: The number is 27.
2.
Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
1 If 8 workers can build a fence in 6 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 2 hours?

24
workers

Solution
Let x be the number of workers it would have taken.
(8 workers)(6 hours) = (2 hours)x
48 worker-hours = 2x hours
24 workers = x
# Problem Correct Answer Your Answer
2 If 4 workers can plant a garden in 15 hours, how many workers would it have taken to do it in 3 hours?

20
workers

Solution
Let x be the number of workers it would have taken.
(4 workers)(15 hours) = (3 hours)x
60 worker-hours = 3x hours
20 workers = x

Complexity=1, Mode=hours
Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.
# Problem Correct Answer
Your
Answer
1
Miguel and Jose take 3
3
/4 hours to do a job. Jose alone takes 10 hours to do the same job. How long would it take Miguel
to do the same job alone?

6
hours

Solution
Let t = number of hours for Miguel working alone
1 job

t
+
1 job

10 hours
=
1 job

3
3
/4 hours

Answer: t = 6 hours
# Problem
Correct
Answer
Your
Answer
2
One pipe can empty a tank in 2 hours. Another pipe can fill the tank in 8 hours. Starting with a full tank, if we turn on both
pipes, how many hours will it take to empty the tank?

8/3
hours

Solution
Let t = number of hours working together
1 tank

2 hours
-
1 tank

8 hours
=
1 tank

t

Answer: t =
8
/3 hours

Complexity=1, Mode=rates
Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.
# Problem Correct Answer
Your
Answer
1
Miguel works 3 times faster than Steven. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Steven working alone
to do the same job?

36
hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Miguel working alone
and 3f = number of hours it takes Steven working alone
1 job

f
+
1 job

3f
=
1 job

9 hours

Solve for f to get f = 12 hours
Working alone, Steven takes 3f.
Answer: 3f = 36 hours
# Problem Correct Answer
Your
Answer
2
Cindy works 4 times faster than Peter. Together, they do a job in 12 hours. How long does it take Peter working alone to
do the same job?

60
hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Cindy working alone
and 4f = number of hours it takes Peter working alone
1 job

f
+
1 job

4f
=
1 job

12 hours

Solve for f to get f = 15 hours
Working alone, Peter takes 4f.
Answer: 4f = 60 hours

Complexity=1, Mode=mixed
Solve. Simplify all fraction answers and use simple form. For example, if the answer is 1 2/4, use 3/2.
Decimal form is also acceptable.
# Problem Correct Answer
Your
Answer
1
Cindy works 3.5 times faster than Mike. Together, they do a job in 17.5 hours. How long does it take Cindy working alone
to do the same job?

22.5
hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Cindy working alone
and 3.5f = number of hours it takes Mike working alone
1 job

f
+
1 job

3.5f
=
1 job

17.5 hours

Solve for f to get f = 22.5 hours
Working alone, Cindy takes f.
Answer: f = 22.5 hours
# Problem Correct Answer
Your
Answer
2
Peter works 3 times faster than Paul. Together, they do a job in 9 hours. How long does it take Paul working alone to do
the same job?

36
hours

Solution
Let f = number of hours it takes Peter working alone
and 3f = number of hours it takes Paul working alone
1 job

f
+
1 job

3f
=
1 job

9 hours

Solve for f to get f = 12 hours
Working alone, Paul takes 3f.
Answer: 3f = 36 hours

Problem Number One :
A farmer can plow a field in 5 days using a tractor. A hired man can plow the same field in 7 days using a smaller tractor. How many days will it take for both
of them to plow the same field together?
Solution :
Let X = number of days it will take for both the farmer and the hired man to plow the field together.
1/5 = the part plowed in one day by the farmer
1/7 = the part plowed in one day by the hired man
Working equartion: (1/5 + 1/7) X = 1 1 stands for one complete job
. (X/5 + X/7 = 1 ) 35
7X + 5X = 35
(12X = 35)1/12
X = 35/12 or 2 and 11/12 days
It will take 2 and 11/12 days for both of them to plow the field together.
Problem Number Two : If in the previous problem , the hired man worked one day with the smaller machine and joined by the farmer with the larger one,
how many more days it will take both of them to finish plowing?
Solution : Since the hired man plowed one-seventh of the field in a day, six-sevenths (6/7) remained unplowed.
Let X = number of days it will take the two to finish the job
X/5 = the part plowed by the farmer
X/7 = the part plowed by the hired man
We now have the working equation, X/5 + X/7 = 6/7
( X/5 + X/7 = 6/7 ) 35
7X + 5X = 30
(12X = 30) 1/12 X = 2and
The farmer and the hired man have still to work for 2 and days to finish plowing the field.

Problem Number Three : Arthur can dig a tunnel 5 days longer than Michael can dig one. If they both work together, they can dig a tunnel in 8 days. How fast
can Michael dig a tunnel ?
Let X = number of days it will take Mihcael to dig one tunnel
X + 5 = number of days it will take Arthur to dig a tunnel
Working equation: ( 1/X + 1/(X+5) ) 8 = 1
(8/X + 8/(X+5) = 1 ) (X) (X + 5)
8(X + 5) + 8X = X^2 + 5X
8X + 40 + 8X = X ^ 2 + 5X
16X + 40 = X^2 + 5X
X^2 = 11X - 40 = 0 Using quadratic formula to solve for X
X = ( 11 + SQRT(121 + 4(40) )) div 2 X = (11 + 16.76)/2 = 13.88 days It will take Michael 13.88 days to dig a tunnel.

Problem Number Four : A swimming pool can be filled in 6 hours and requires 9 hours to drain. If the drain was accidentally left open for 6 hours while the
pool was being filled, how long did filling the pool require ?
1/6 = part of the pool filled after one hour
1/9 = part of the pool drained after an hour
Working equation : (1/6 - 1/9) 6 + X/6 = 1
After six hours 1/3 of the pool was filled : (1/6 - 1/9) 6 = 1/3
2/3 of the pool is still to be filled after 6 hours
(X/6 = 2/3)6 =\ X = 4 hours 6 + 4 = 10 hours It takes 10 hours for the pool to be filled.
Work Problems
Example 1
Ernie can plow a field alone in four hours. It takes Sid five hours to plow the same field alone. If they work together (and each has a plow), how long will it
take to plow the field?
First, circle what you must find how long together. Work problems of this nature may be solved by using the following equation.
Therefore,

Ans: Therefore, it will take them2 2/9 hours working together
Problem 1:

It takes 1.5 hours for Tim to mow the lawn. Linda can mow the same lawn in 2 hours. How long will it take John and Linda, work together, to mow the lawn?
Solution to Problem 1:
- We first calculate the rate of work of Jonh and Linda

John: 1 / 1.5 and Linda 1 / 2
- Let t be the time for John and Linda to mow the Lawn. The work done by John alone is given by
t * (1 / 1.5)

- The work done by Linda alone is given by
t * (1 / 2)

- When the two work together, their work will be added. Hence
t * (1 / 1.5) + t * (1 / 2) = 1

- Multiply all terms by 6
6 (t * (1 / 1.5) + t * (1 / 2) ) = 6

- and simplify
4 t + 3 t = 6

- Solve for t
t = 6 / 7 hours = 51.5 minutes.z
Problem 2: It takes 6 hours for pump A, used alone, to fill a tank of water. Pump B used alone takes 8 hours to fill the same tank. We want to use three
pumps: A, B and another pump C to fill the tank in 2 hours. What should be the rate of pump C? How long would it take pump C, used alone, to fill the tank?
Solution to Problem 2:
- The rates of pumps A and B can be calculated as follows:

A: 1 / 6 and B: 1 / 8
- Let R be the rate of pump C. When working together for 2 hours, we have
2 ( 1 / 6 + 1 / 8 + R ) = 1
- Solve for R

R = 1 / 4.8 , rate of pump C.
- Let t be the time it takes pump C, used alone, to fill the tank. Hence

t * (1 / 4.8) = 1
- Solve for t

t = 4.8 hours , the time it takes pump C to fill the tank.

Problem 3: A tank can be filled by pipe A in 5 hours and by pipe B in 8 hours, each pump working on its own. When the tank is full and a drainage hole is
open, the water is drained in 20 hours. If initially the tank was empty and somenone started the two pumps together but left the drainage hole open, how
long does it take for the tank to be filled?
Solution to Problem 3:
- Let's first find the rates of the pumps and the drainage hole

pump A: 1 / 5 , pump B: 1 / 8 , drainage hole: 1 / 20
- Let t be the time for the pumps to fill the tank. The pumps ,add water into the tank however the drainage hole drains water out of the tank,
hence

t ( 1 / 5 + 1 / 8 - 1 / 20) = 1
- Solve for t

t = 3.6 hours.

Problem 4: A swimming pool can be filled by pipe A in 3 hours and by pipe B in 6 hours, each pump working on its own. At 9 am pump A is started. At what
time will the swimming pool be filled if pump B is started at 10 am?
Solution to Problem 4:
- the rates of the two pumps are

pump A: 1 / 3 , pump B: 1 / 6
- Working together, If pump A works for t hours then pump B works t - 1 hours since it started 1 hour late. Hence
t * (1 / 3) + (t - 1) * (1 / 6) = 1

- Solve for t

t = 7 / 3 hours = 2.3 hours = 2 hours 20 minutes.
- The swimming pool will be filled at

9 + 2:20 = 11:20

Problem. The first term in a sequence of number is 2. Each even-numbered term is 3 more than the previous term and each odd-numbered term, excluding
the first, is 1 times the previous term. What is the 45th term of the sequence?
6m + n =13 (equation 1)
13m + n = 27 (equation 2)
Use substitution method
Isolate n in equation 1
n = 13 6m
Substitute into equation 2
13m + 13 6m = 27
7m = 14
m = 2
Substitute m = 2 into equation 1
6(2) + n = 13
n = 1
Answer: n = 1

Example #4:
Half a number plus 5 is 11.What is the number?
Solution
Let x be the number. Always replace "is" with an equal sign
(1/2)x + 5 = 11
(1/2)x + 5 - 5 = 11 - 5
(1/2)x = 6
2 (1/2)x = 6 2
x = 12

Example #5:
The sum of two consecutive even integers is 24. What are the two numbers?
Solution
Let 2n be the first even integer and let 2n + 2 be the second integer
2n + 2n + 2 = 24
4n + 2 = 24
4n + 2 - 2 = 24 - 2
4n = 22
n = 5.5
So the first even integer is 2n = 2 5.5 = 10 and the second is 10 + 2 = 12
(1/2)x + 5 - 5 = 11 - 5 (1/2)x = 6
2 (1/2)x = 6 2
x = 12

Example #6:
The ratio of two numbers is 5 to 1. The sum is 18. What are the two numbers?
Solution
Let x be the first number. Let y be the second number
x / y = 5 / 1
x + y = 18
Using x / y = 5 / 1, we get x = 5y after doing cross multiplication
Replacing x = 5y into x + y = 18, we get 5y + y = 18
6y = 18
y = 3
x = 5y = 5 3 = 15
As you can see, 15/3 = 5, so ratio is correct and 3 + 15 = 18, so the sum is correct.

Example #7: Algebra word problems can be as complicated as example #7. Study it carefully!
Peter has six times as many dimes as quarters in her piggy bank. She has 21 coins in her piggy bank totaling $2.55
How many of each type of coin does she have?
Solution
Let x be the number of quarters. Let 6x be the number of dimes
Since one quarter equals 25 cents, x quarters equals x 25 cents or 25x cents
Since one dime equals 10 cents, 6x dimes equals 6x 10 cents or 60x cents
Since one 1 dollar equals 100 cents, 2.55 dollars equals 2.55 100 = 255 cents
Putting it all together, 25x cents + 60x cents = 255 cents
85x cents = 255 cents
85x cents / 85 cents = 255 cents / 85 cents
x = 3
6x = 6 3 = 18
Therefore Peter has 3 quarters and 18 dimes

Example #8:
The area of a rectangle is x
2
+ 4x -12. What are the dimensions of the rectangle (length and width)?
Solution
The main idea is to factor x
2
+ 4x -12
Since -12 = -2 6 and -2 + 6 = 4
x
2
+ 4x -12 = ( x + -2) ( x + 6)
Since the length is usually longer, lenth = x + 6 and width = x + -2

Example #9: A must know how when solving algebra word problems
The area of a rectangle is 24 cm
2
. The width is two less than the length. What is the length and width of the rectangle?
Solution
Let x be the length and let x - 2 be the width
Area = lenth width = x ( x - 2) = 24
x ( x - 2) = 24
x
2
+ -2x = 24
x
2
+ -2x - 24 = 0
Since -24 = 4 -6 and 4 + -6 = -2, we get:
(x + 4) ( x + -6) = 0
This leads to two equations to solve:
x + 4 = 0 and x + -6 = 0
x + 4 = 0 gives x = -4. Reject this value since a dimension cannot be negative
x + -6 = 0 gives x = 6
Therefore, length = 6 and width = x - 2 = 6 - 2 = 4

Example #10:
The sum of two numbers is 16. The difference is 4. What are the two numbers?
Let x be the first number. Ley y be the second number
x + y = 16
x - y = 4
Solution
Let x be the first number. Ley y be the second number
x + y = 16
x - y = 4
Solve the system of equations by elimination
Adding the left sides and the right sides gives:
x + x + y + -y = 16 + 4
2x = 20
x = 10
Since x + y = 16, 10 + y = 16
10 + y = 16
10 - 10 + y = 16 - 10
y = 6 Answer : The numbers are 10 and 6