In a mixture of potting soil, the ratio of peat moss to compost is 3:5. How much of each is in a 12 pound bag of potting soil?

Answer 1

3:5 means if you had 8 total there would be 3 lbs of peat moss and 5 lbs of compost, but if we have 12, that's 1.5 (ie. 12/8) times as much, ao (3*1.5) : (5*1.5 ) so 4.5:7.5 so 4.5 lbs of peat moss and 7.5 lbs of compost.

Answer 2

Peat Moss = 3x

Compost = 5x

3x+5x=12

8x=12

x=1.5

Thus, 3x = 3*1.5 = 4.5

and 5x= 5*1.5 = 7.5

Answer:

Peat Moss = 4.5

Compost = 7.5