Question

In what proportions should you mix 7% and 2% solutions to get 5% solution?

Use the alligation method to solve this problem. Provide your answer in x:y format

Answer 1

To solve this problem using the alligation method, follow these steps:

1. **Identify the concentrations** of the solutions:
- Higher concentration: 7%
- Desired concentration: 5%
- Lower concentration: 2%

2. **Set up the alligation**:

- Subtract the desired concentration from the higher concentration:
\[
7\% - 5\% = 2\%
\]

- Subtract the lower concentration from the desired concentration:
\[
5\% - 2\% = 3\%
\]

3. **Place the results in ratio form**:

The ratio of the two parts is given by the results from the above steps:
\[
\text{Ratio} = \frac{3}{2}
\]

4. **Expressing it in x:y format**:

The ratio of the 7% solution to the 2% solution will be:
\[
3 : 2
\]

Thus, you should mix the 7% solution and the 2% solution in the ratio of **3:2** to obtain a 5% solution.