Jackie has two solutions that are 2 percent sulfuric acid and 12 percent sulfuric acid by volume, respectively. If these solutions are mixed in appropriate quantities to produce 60 liters of a solution that is 5 percent sulfuric acid, approximately how many liters of the 2 percent solution will be required?

42 liters

Explanation:

Let the volume of 2% sulfuric acid required be X while that of 12% sulfuric acid required be Y.

According to the concentration: 0.02X + 0.12Y = 0.05 (X + Y) ... equation 1

According to the volume: X + Y = 60 ... equation 2

Substitute equation 2 into equation 1.

0.02X + 0.12 (Y) = 0.05 (60)

2X + 12Y = 300

X + 6Y = 150 ... equation 3

From equation 2, Y = 60 - X ... equation 4

Substitute equation 4 into equation 3.

X + 6 (60-X) = 150

X + 360 - 6X = 150

-5X = - 210

X = 42

Hence, the volume of 2% sulfuric acid required is 42 liters.