How many grams of sugar must be added to 60 grams of a solution that is 32% sugar to obtain a solution that is 50% sugar?

Question

 This made my whole class confused and even my teacher. So I asked and I get extra credit if I can solve it

Answer 1

Is this algebra or chemistry? If chemistry, one needs to know if this is % by mass. One assumes it is since no volumes are given. The 60 grams of solution is 32% sugar, so that is 0.32 x 60 = 19.2 g sugar. (19.2 g + x g)/(60 g + x g) = 0.50 x = 21.6 grams If you add 21.6 grams to the 60 grams, you have a total of 81.6 grams. Of that, 40.8 grams is sugar (21.6 + 19.2). This is thus 50%.