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$$0.10 x+0.20 y=0.18(x+y)$$Clayton will mix $x$ milliliters of a $10 \%$ by mass saline solution with $y$ milliliters of a $20 \%$ by mass saline solution in order to create an $18 \%$ by mass saline solution. The equation above represents this situation. If Clayton uses 100 milliliters of the $20 \%$ by mass saline solution, how many milliliters of the $10 \%$ by mass saline solution must he use?

SAT · Math · previous-year question

  1. A.5
  2. B.25correct
  3. C.50
  4. D.100

Answer

B. 25

Explanation

Choice B is correct. It's given that Clayton uses 100 milliliters of the $20 \%$ by mass solution, so $y=100$. Substituting 100 for $y$ in the given equation yields $0.10 x+0.20(100)=0.18(x+100)$, which can be rewritten as $0.10 x+20=0.18 x+18$. Subtracting $0.10 x$ and 18 from both sides of the equation gives $2=0.08 x$. Dividing both sides of this equation by 0.08 gives $x=25$. Thus, Clayton uses 25 milliliters of the $10 \%$ by mass saline solution.Choices $\mathrm{A}, \mathrm{C}$, and $\mathrm{D}$ are incorrect and may result from calculation errors.

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