Multiple choice

Two jars contain mixtures of wine and brandy in the ratio 3 : 1 and 5 : 4, respectively. If some content is to be taken out from each jar, what volume should be taken out from the first, so as to fill up a 72 litre can with wine and brandy in the ratio 1 : 1?

  1. 18

  2. 36

  3. 40

  4. Not possible

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is a mixture problem. You cannot determine the volume taken from each jar to get a specific ratio in a 72L can without knowing the total volume available or the specific proportions of the final mixture relative to the initial ones. It is mathematically underspecified.

AI explanation

Using the rule of alligation, the required ratio of quantities from the first and second jars to achieve a 1:1 ratio is (5/9 - 1/2) : (1/2 - 3/4). Calculating these fractions gives a ratio of 1/18 : -1/4, which is impossible because it results in a negative quantity. Therefore, it is not possible to create a 1:1 mixture using these two jars.

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