When solving a word problem, the most important step is to understand the main objective. This gives the student a laser focus. We can then filter through all of the information, leading to an equation that can be solved. We then provide an answer and check to make sure it is reasonable.

Test Objectives
• Demonstrate the ability to read a word problem and understand the main objective
• Understand how to set up an equation based on the information given in a word problem
• Demonstrate the ability to check the solution to a word problem
Mixture Word Problems Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Melissa wants to make 20 quarts of a 45% saline solution by mixing together a 60% saline solution and a 35% saline solution. How much of each solution must she use?

#2:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Farmer John’s Hot Peanuts which cost $3 per pound is made by combining peanuts which cost$4 per pound with spices which cost \$2 per pound. Find the number of pounds of peanuts and spices required to make 16 pounds of Farmer John’s Hot Peanuts.

#3:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Jennifer needs to make 16 pounds of an alloy containing 85% copper. She is going to melt and combine one metal that is 76% copper with pure copper. How much of each should she use?

#4:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Joe asked you to make 14 gallons of fruit punch that contains 60% fruit juice by mixing together some Sweet Tropical Fruit Punch and some grape juice. How much of each ingredient do you need if the Sweet Tropical Fruit Punch contains 30% juice?

#5:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Stephanie wants to make 12 gallons of a 15% sugar solution by mixing together a 45% sugar solution and pure water. How much of each solution must she use?

Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) 8 quarts of 60% saline solution, 12 quarts of 35% saline solution

#2:

Solutions:

a) 8 pounds of peanuts, 8 pounds of spices

#3:

Solutions:

a) 10 pounds of 76% copper, 6 pounds of pure copper

#4:

Solutions:

a) 8 gallons of fruit punch, 6 gallons of grape juice

#5:

Solutions:

a) 4 gallons of 45% sugar solution, 8 gallons of pure water