A dairy farmer wants to mix a 85% protein supplement and a standard 50% protein ration to make 1400 pounds of a high-grade 60% protein ration. How many pounds of each should he use?

Answer 1

a + b = 1400 -----> a = 1400 - b

85a + 50b = 60(1400)

85(1400 - b) + 50b = 84,000

119,000 - 85b + 50b = 84,000

35b = 35,000

b = 1000

a = 1400 - 1000

a = 400