Ratio word problem

Question

Trail mix was made by combining almonds and grapes in a 3:4 ratio. If 21 total ounces of trail mix were made, how many ounces of almonds were used?

Answer 1

You can setup as a proportion using ratios.

 

• The trail mix is created by using a ratio of 3:4 almonds and grapes. The ratio of almonds to the total mix is 3/(3+4)=3/7. 
• For a mix of 21 ounces set the unknown amount of almonds to equal (x), therefore the ratio is x/21.

Set both ratios equal to create the proportion:

 

               3/7 = x/21  Cross multiply

               7x=3(21)=63

 

               x=9 ounces of almonds.

 

Answer 2

3x + 4x = 21

7x = 21

x = 3

 

9 ounces of almonds