Mixture in a 90-L container: A vessel initially contains two liquids, A and B, with unknown amounts. From the vessel, 60% of liquid A and 30% of liquid B are withdrawn. After this withdrawal the container is 40% empty (that is, 60% full). Determine the initial quantities of liquid A and liquid B in liters.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: A = 30 L, B = 60 L

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem combines percentage removal with total volume tracking. The key is to express what remains of each liquid after withdrawing fixed percentages and then use the final fullness (60% of capacity) to solve for the initial split of A and B.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Total capacity = 90 L.
  • 60% of liquid A withdrawn; 30% of liquid B withdrawn.
  • After withdrawal, the vessel is 60% full ⇒ remaining volume = 54 L.
  • Let initial A = x L, initial B = 90 − x L.


Concept / Approach:
After withdrawal, remaining A = 40% of x (i.e., 0.4x). Remaining B = 70% of (90 − x) (i.e., 0.7*(90 − x)). Their sum must equal 54 L because the container is 60% full.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Remaining A = 0.4x.Remaining B = 0.7(90 − x) = 63 − 0.7x.0.4x + (63 − 0.7x) = 54.−0.3x = −9 ⇒ x = 30.Therefore A = 30 L and B = 90 − 30 = 60 L.


Verification / Alternative check:
Withdrawn A = 60% of 30 = 18 L; remaining A = 12 L. Withdrawn B = 30% of 60 = 18 L; remaining B = 42 L. Total remaining = 12 + 42 = 54 L = 60% of 90 L, consistent.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other pairs do not satisfy the condition 0.4x + 0.7(90 − x) = 54; they either overfill or underfill relative to the 60% final level.



Common Pitfalls:
Subtracting percentages from the total instead of per-component; forgetting that 40% empty means 60% full (54 L).



Final Answer:
A = 30 L, B = 60 L

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