SAT Math: 5:2 Peanut-Cashew Mixture Question

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The problem involves a mixture of peanuts and cashews with a weight ratio of 5 to 2. To find the amount of cashews in a 4-pound mixture, the total ratio weight of 7 pounds must be scaled down. By multiplying the original quantities by a factor that reduces the total to 4 pounds, the correct amount of cashews can be determined. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining the ratio while adjusting the total weight. Ultimately, the correct calculation leads to finding the weight of cashews in the mixture.
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Homework Statement


In a Mixture of peanuts and cashews, the ratio by weight of peanuts to cashews is 5 to 2. how many pounds of cashews will there be in 4 pounds of this mixture?


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The Attempt at a Solution



I used 5/2 as seven pounds in the original ratio.

Then I tested out some numbers for 2, such as 1.2, 1.4 and they all added up to a number close to four. I didn't reaaly know how to set the problem up so I ended up getting it wrong. I got 1.2.
 
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I'm said:
I used 5/2 as seven pounds in the original ratio.
Nothing wrong with thinking that 5 lbs of peanuts plus 2 lbs of cashews = 7 lbs.

To reduce 7 lbs to 4 lbs, what would you multiply by? Multiply all quantities by the same number to retain the 5/2 ratio.
 
I just got it out of insight from your reply. Thank you.
 
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