There are two mixtures of honey and water: Mixture 1 has honey:water = 1:3. Mixture 2 has honey:water = 3:1. If 2 litres are taken from mixture 1 and 3 litres are taken from mixture 2 and mixed together, what will be the final ratio of honey to water in the new mixture?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 11:9

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests combining two mixtures with different ratios. The correct method is to convert ratios into fractions, compute actual honey and water amounts for the given litres taken from each mixture, then add honey and water separately and form the final ratio.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mixture 1 honey:water = 1:3 (total 4 parts)
  • Mixture 2 honey:water = 3:1 (total 4 parts)
  • Quantity taken: 2 L from mixture 1, 3 L from mixture 2


Concept / Approach:
Honey amount = fraction of honey * litres taken. Water indicates the remaining fraction. Combine and simplify the ratio.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: In mixture 1, honey fraction = 1/4 and water fraction = 3/4 Step 2: From 2 L of mixture 1: honey = 2*(1/4)=0.5 L, water = 2*(3/4)=1.5 L Step 3: In mixture 2, honey fraction = 3/4 and water fraction = 1/4 Step 4: From 3 L of mixture 2: honey = 3*(3/4)=2.25 L, water = 3*(1/4)=0.75 L Step 5: Total honey = 0.5 + 2.25 = 2.75 L Step 6: Total water = 1.5 + 0.75 = 2.25 L Step 7: Ratio honey:water = 2.75:2.25 = 275:225 Step 8: Simplify by dividing by 25 => 11:9


Verification / Alternative check:
Total mixture is 5 L. Honey is 2.75 L, so honey% = 55%. Water is 45%. Ratio 11:9 matches 55:45 after simplifying.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

9:11: reversed ratio. 103:72 and 111:108: do not correspond to the computed totals. 13:12: would imply honey only slightly more than water, but honey is clearly 55% here.


Common Pitfalls:
Do not average 1:3 and 3:1 directly. Also do not forget that the quantities taken (2 L and 3 L) are different, so mixture 2 has more influence. Always compute actual ingredient amounts first.


Final Answer:
11:9

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