A drum contains a blend of three chemicals: P, Q, and R, in the ratio of 2:3:5. 40 litres of this blend are removed, and then 20 litres of chemical P and 16 litres of chemical Q are added to the drum. If the resultant quantity of chemical Q is 24 litres more than the resultant quantity of chemical P, what was the initial total quantity of the mixture in the drum (in litres)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 320.
Let the initial quantity in the drum = x litres
Initial quantities: P = 2x/10; Q = 3x/10; R = 5x/10
Amount of P removed = 2/10 × 40 = 8 litres
Amount of Q removed = 3/10 × 40 = 12 litres
Amount of R removed = 5/10 × 40 = 20 litres
So, [(3x/10 - 12) + 16] - [(2x/10 - 8) + 20] = 24
⇒ (3x/10 + 4) - (2x/10 + 12) = 24
⇒ x/10 - 8 = 24
⇒ x/10 = 32
⇒ x = 320 litres