Math Problem Statement

A recipe calls for one half cup of ingredient A for every 1 and one fifth cups of ingredient B. You use 2 cups of ingredient A. How many cups of ingredient B do you​ need?

Solution

To solve this problem, we'll use the given ratio between ingredient A and ingredient B and apply it to the amount of ingredient A you're using.

Step 1: Understand the ratio

The ratio given is:

  • 12\frac{1}{2} cup of ingredient A for every 1151 \frac{1}{5} cups of ingredient B.

First, convert the mixed number 1151 \frac{1}{5} into an improper fraction: 115=65 cups of ingredient B1 \frac{1}{5} = \frac{6}{5} \text{ cups of ingredient B}

So the ratio can be written as: 12 cup of A:65 cups of B\frac{1}{2} \text{ cup of A} : \frac{6}{5} \text{ cups of B}

Step 2: Set up the proportion

Let xx be the amount of ingredient B needed for 2 cups of ingredient A. Set up the proportion based on the given ratio: 1/26/5=2x\frac{1/2}{6/5} = \frac{2}{x}

Step 3: Solve the proportion

First, simplify the left side of the equation: 1/26/5=12×56=512\frac{1/2}{6/5} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{5}{6} = \frac{5}{12}

Now the equation is: 512=2x\frac{5}{12} = \frac{2}{x}

Cross-multiply to solve for xx: 5x=12×25x = 12 \times 2 5x=245x = 24 x=245=4.8x = \frac{24}{5} = 4.8

Step 4: Conclusion

You need 4.8 cups of ingredient B.

Would you like further details on any step? Here are five related questions you might consider:

  1. How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
  2. Can you explain cross-multiplication in more detail?
  3. How do you determine ratios in recipes?
  4. What if the recipe called for a different amount of ingredient A?
  5. How would this calculation change if the ratios were reversed?

Tip: Always ensure that units match when setting up proportions, particularly in recipes and measurements.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ratios
Proportions
Fractions
Cross-Multiplication

Formulas

Proportion formula: a/b = c/d
Mixed number conversion to improper fractions

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8