Solve the following word problem

Question

For every part produced by a factory, there are 5 ounces of scrap aluminum that can be recycled. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound and 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. How many parts must the factory produce so that there are 1 ton of scrap aluminum for recycling?

Answer 1

Hi, Aysha. There are 2000 lb in 1 ton and 16 oz in 1 lb, so there are 2000 x 16 = 32000 oz in 1 ton. 

 

If one part produces 5 oz of scrap, then 32000/5 = 6400 parts produces 1 ton of scrap aluminum for recycling. 

Answer 2

Hi Aysha.

 

This is a simple dimensional analysis problem. First you want to know how many tons are in 5 ounces.

 

(5 oz) * (1 lb / 16 oz) * (1 ton / 2000 lbs) = (5 / 32000) ton = 1/6400 tons

 

So, every part you make creates 1/6400th of a ton. So, in order to make 1 ton of scrap,

 

X parts * 1/6400 tons/ part = 1 ton

 

You need to make 6400 parts.

 

Hope this helps.