A total of 5 liters of gasoline is to be poured into two empty containers with capacities of 2 liters and 6 liters, respectively, such that both containers will be filled to the same percent of their respective capacities. What amount of gasoline, in L, must be poured into the 6-L container?
My question is now how to solve this, but why the answer can't be 1 1/4.
Solution:
Assuming x is the amount of gas poured into the 6L container, then x-5 is the amount poured into the 2L container. Because their %'s are equal it goes:
x/6 = x-5/2
Solving for x gives you --> 3 1/4
HOWEVER,
what does it mean if you assume X is the amount of gas pout into the 2L container instead? That changes it all up and gives you
x/2 = x-5/6
Solving for x gives you --> 1 1/4 (which is an answer choice but is WRONG)
Please help explain the difference.
My question is now how to solve this, but why the answer can't be 1 1/4.
Solution:
Assuming x is the amount of gas poured into the 6L container, then x-5 is the amount poured into the 2L container. Because their %'s are equal it goes:
x/6 = x-5/2
Solving for x gives you --> 3 1/4
HOWEVER,
what does it mean if you assume X is the amount of gas pout into the 2L container instead? That changes it all up and gives you
x/2 = x-5/6
Solving for x gives you --> 1 1/4 (which is an answer choice but is WRONG)
Please help explain the difference.
