Algebra Problem, solving for the waterweight of grapes?

  • Thread starter PotentialE
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Algebra
In summary, to find the weight of dried grapes that can be obtained from 34 pounds of fresh grapes, you need to first calculate the weight of the base in both fresh and dried grapes. Then, using this information and the percentage of water in each type of grape, you can set up and solve equations to find the weight of dried grapes, which is approximately 8 pounds.
  • #1
PotentialE
57
0

Homework Statement


Fresh grapes contain 80% water by weight, whereas dried grapes contain 15% water. How many pounds of dried grapes can be obtained from 34 pounds of fresh grapes?


Homework Equations


anything you can create!


The Attempt at a Solution


To make a regular grape a dried grape, 65% of its water weight must be deducted
waterweight of 34lbs of grapes = 34*.8 = 27.2
65% of 27.2 = 17.68
34 - 17.68 = 16.32lbs

but it says that this is wrong, where is the fault in my logic?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm not sure how you know 65% of its water must be deducted. I would, instead, think about it this way:
grape = base + water
dried grape = base + water

The base in these 2 equations is the same. You can find base using equation 1 and the fact that 80% is water. You can find water in equation 2 by using base previously found in combination with the fact that 15% of the total will need to be water.
 
  • #3
grape = base + water
dried grape = base + water

b = 34 - w
b = dg - wdg

w = (.8)(34) = 27.2
b = 6.8

6.8 = dg - (.15)(dg)
6.8 = .85dg
dg = 8lbs

thank you! that's correct
 

1. How do you set up an algebraic equation to solve for the water weight of grapes?

To set up an algebraic equation, we need to first define our variables. Let x represent the total weight of the grapes and y represent the weight of the water in the grapes. Then, we can write the equation as x = y + (weight of the grapes without water). This equation represents the relationship between the total weight of the grapes and the weight of the water in the grapes.

2. What information do we need to solve for the water weight of grapes using algebra?

To solve for the water weight of grapes using algebra, we need to know the total weight of the grapes and the weight of the grapes without water. These two pieces of information will allow us to set up and solve the algebraic equation.

3. Can this algebraic equation be used for any type of grape?

Yes, this algebraic equation can be used for any type of grape as long as we have the necessary information to set up the equation. It is important to use consistent units (e.g. grams, kilograms) for the weight measurements.

4. How can we check if our solution for the water weight of grapes is correct?

We can check our solution by substituting the value we found for y (water weight) back into the original equation and making sure it satisfies the equation. We can also compare our solution to the expected value or use a scale to physically weigh the water extracted from the grapes.

5. Are there any other methods besides algebra to solve for the water weight of grapes?

Yes, there are other methods such as using a scale to physically weigh the water extracted from the grapes or using a formula specific to water content in grapes. However, algebra is a useful and general method that can be applied to various situations, making it a valuable skill to have.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top