Alloy 1 contains copper and zinc in the ratio N-1:N and Alloy 2 contains copper and zinc in the ratio N:N+1, where N is a positive integer > 1.

(i) Alloy 1 and Alloy 2 are melted together in the ratio P:Q, so that the ratio of copper and zinc in the resulting alloy is P:Q.

(ii) Alloy 1 and Alloy 2 are melted together in the ratio P:Q, so that the ratio of copper and zinc in the resulting alloy is Q:P.

In each of the cases (i) and (ii) - determine p:q in terms of N.

*** Each of p and q is a positive integer.

(In reply to Solution? by Jer)

Is that the same as in the puzzle? I thought it was something like:

[p(n-1)+qn] : [pn + q(n+1)], though I've probably just missed something.

Posted by broll on 2016-10-21 10:51:39