Thread: Word Problem - systems of linear equations

A jeweler needs to mix an alloy with a 16% gold content and an alloy with a 28% gold content to obtain 32 ounces of a new alloy with a 25% gold content. How many ounces of each of the original alloys must be used?

Equate Stuff!

How much Gold originally + How much gold added = how much gold in the end

or

How much nonGold originally + How much nongold added = how much nongold in the end

Before "equating stuff", "name stuff": let X be the amount of alloy with 16% gold content, in ounces, and let Y be the amountof alloy with 28% gold content, in ounces.

figured it out, I was just having problems setting up a part of the 2nd equation.
x = 16%
y = 28%

x + y = 32
0.16x + 0.28y = 32(0.25)

Multiplying 32 by 0.25 was what I overlooked

That was the names and the stuff!