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 From the vessel, 60% of liquid A and 30% of liquid B are withdrawn.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.

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• 60% of liquid A withdrawn; 30% of liquid B withdrawn.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:

Verification / Alternative check: Withdrawn A = 60% of 30 = 18 L; remaining A = 12 L. Withdrawn B = 30% of 60 = 18 L; remaining B = 42 L. Total remaining = 12 + 42 = 54 L = 60% of 90 L, consistent.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