Multiple choice

The ratio of alcohol and water is 3 : 2 in a jar. If 5 litres of alcohol is taken out of the jar, then the ratio becomes 4 : 3. How much alcohol is there in the mixture?

  1. 30 litres

  2. 45 litres

  3. 50 litres

  4. 60 litres

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Let the initial amounts of alcohol and water be 3x and 2x. After removing 5 litres of alcohol, the new ratio is (3x - 5) / 2x = 4 / 3. Solving for x gives 9x - 15 = 8x, so x = 15. The initial amount of alcohol is 3 * 15 = 45 litres.

AI explanation

Let the initial quantities of alcohol and water be 3x and 2x respectively. After 5 litres of alcohol is removed, the new amount of alcohol is 3x minus 5, and since the water amount remains 2x, the new ratio is (3x minus 5) divided by 2x equals 4 divided by 3. Cross-multiplying this equation gives 9x minus 15 equals 8x, so x equals 15. The original quantity of alcohol is 3x, which is 3 multiplied by 15, resulting in 45 litres.