I already got the following problem wrong, so I just need help understanding HOW to get the correct answer.

Question

"In order to get a certain shade of blue paint, a mixer must have 5 parts white paint to 3 parts blue.
If 4 gallons of paint must be mixed, how many gallons of white paint must be used?"
ANSWER: 2.5 Gallons

I don't know how to get this answer! SIMPLE step-by-step instructions would be appreciated! (not too complicated because i hate it when people over-complicate an explanation...)

Thank you SO much for helping me!
Nicole

Answer 1

5 parts + 3 parts makes 8 parts in total

So, divide 4 gallons into 8 parts, and each part is 1/2 gal.

White gets 5 parts, blue gets 3.

So, white = 5/2 or 2.5 gal.

Answer 2

Thank u so much Steve!!! This helps a lot! And also thank you for respecting my request to keep it simple. Not a lot of people these days do that. 5 stars! 😉
Thanks again!

Answer 3

no problema. Soon you'll be providing opaque and complicated answers for others! ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°