A solution consists acid and water in the ratio 5:3. If 4 litres of water is added, the new ratio becomes 5:4. What is the original quantity of acid in the solution?
- AOption (a)
20 litres
- BOption (b)
25 litres
- COption (c)
30 litres
- DOption (d)
35 litres
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Correct answer
20 litres
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Initial Ratio (Acid : Water) = 5 : 3
Final Ratio (Acid : Water) = 5 : 4
Since only water is added, the ratio of acid (5 parts) correctly remains unchanged.
Increase in water ratio = 4 − 3 = 1 part.
1 part = 4 litres ⇒ Original Acid = 5 parts = 5 × 4 = 20 litres.
∴ The correct answer is 20 litres.
Alternate Method
Initial Acid = 5u Water = 3u
Final Acid = 5u Water = 4u
- 4 L Water
Water Change: 4u − 3u = 1u = 4 Litres Original Acid: 5u = 5 × 4 = 20 Litres
Given:
Initial ratio of acid to water = 5 : 3
Water added = 4 litres
New ratio of acid to water = 5 : 4
Calculations:
⇒ Let initial acid = 5x and initial water = 3x.
⇒ After adding 4 litres of water, new quantity of water = 3x + 4.
⇒ New ratio = 5x / (3x + 4) = 5 / 4
⇒ 20x = 15x + 20
⇒ 20x − 15x = 20
⇒ 5x = 20 ⇒ x = 4
⇒ Original quantity of acid = 5x = 5 × 4 = 20 litres.
∴ The correct answer is 20 litres.
Additional Information
Constant Component Concept
When one substance is added to a mixture, the quantity of the other substance remains strictly constant. Equating the ratio parts of the undisturbed component simplifies calculations directly without full equations.
Cross-Multiplication Method
If the initial ratio is a:b and final ratio becomes c:d after adding x and y respectively, the relation is: (a × d) − (b × c) = (y × c) − (x × d). Here, y = 4 and x = 0.
Replacement in Mixtures
When a portion of a mixture is withdrawn without adding anything, the ratio of its components remains identical to the original mixture. The ratio alters only upon adding a new quantity.