hey vemuri,
when part of a (say 100 litre) 50% solution of acid is replaced with an equal amount of 30% solution, the total volume of the solution (acid+water) remains the same, or the denominator remains the same. only the volume of acid or the numerator changes.
say x part of 100 or 100*x ltrs be removed, or 100*x*1/2=50x salt removed.
we add equal amount of 30% solution=>100*x of 30% solution
amount of acid added: 100*x*30%=30x
so 50-50x+30x/100=40/100=>x=1/2
one could plug in answer choices as well.
lets start with C:1/2
amount of acid removed: 100*1/2*1/2=25lts.
amount of acid added: 100*1/2*30/100=15 ltrs
resulting concentration: 50-25+15/100=40/100 bingo!