A chef has two cans of acids and water mixture. He combines the contents of both cans in a beaker. The resulting mixture has half water and half acid. What is the quantity in which he mixed the contents of can 1 and can 2, given that can 2 has an acid-to-water ratio of 2 : 3 and can 1 has an acid-to-water ratio of 5 : 3?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. 4 : 5.
Let quantities mixed be x (can 1) and y (can 2).
Acid fraction can 1 = 5/8, water = 3/8
Acid fraction can 2 = 2/5, water = 3/5
Final mix: acid = water
So, (5/8)x + (2/5)y = (3/8)x + (3/5)y
=> (5/8 - 3/8)x = (3/5 - 2/5)y
=> (2/8)x = (1/5)y
=> x/4 = y/5
=> x : y = 4 : 5