Algebra 1 Applied

Mixture Problems

Solve solution mixing, alloy, and concentration problems with step-by-step algebra. Set up the mixture table, write the equation, and find the unknown quantity.

Live Calculator · Step-by-Step · Algebra 1
Problem Setup
c₁·V₁ + c₂·V₂ = c_mix·(V₁+V₂)
Equation: c₁·V₁ + c₂·V₂ = c_mix·(V₁+V₂). Leave the unknown field blank or set the dropdown.
Examples
c₁·V₁ + 0·x = c_mix·(V₁+x)  [dilute with water]
Add water (0%) to dilute; find how much water x to add.
Examples
Solution
Enter values above and press Solve to see the unknown quantity, the mixture equation, and a mixture table.
Answer
Mixture Equation (substituted)
Mixture Table
Solution Volume (L) Conc. (%) Amount (L)
Step-by-Step Solution
Steps appear here after solving.
Mixture Diagram
Mixture Equation
c₁V₁ + c₂V₂ = c_mix(V₁ + V₂)

The key idea: the amount of pure substance in each component adds up to the amount in the final mixture.

Amount = Volume × Concentration (as a decimal). So 4 liters of a 20% solution contains 4 × 0.20 = 0.8 liters of pure substance.

Depending on which value is unknown, solve the equation for V₁, V₂, c₁, or c₂ by isolating the variable algebraically.

The concentrations must be in the same units (both as percents or both as decimals). Do not mix them.
Mixture Table
Solution Volume Conc. Amount
Solution 1 V₁ c₁ c₁ · V₁
Solution 2 V₂ c₂ c₂ · V₂
Mixture V₁ + V₂ c_mix c_mix(V₁+V₂)
  • Set up the table first — it makes the equation obvious.
  • Adding water: use concentration 0%. Adding pure: use 100%.
  • The mixture concentration must be between the two component concentrations.
  • Volume is always additive: V_total = V₁ + V₂.

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