The alloy is composed of zinc, copper and nickel. The mass of copper is 1.5 times greater than the mass of zinc

The alloy is composed of zinc, copper and nickel. The mass of copper is 1.5 times greater than the mass of zinc, and the mass of nickel is 1.2 kg. How much zinc is in the alloy weighing 6.2 kg?

Let’s denote the unknown mass of zinc by the letter X kg.

Then, the mass of copper will be equal to 1.5X kg.

Knowing the total mass of metals in the alloy, we compose an equation and find the mass of zinc:

X kg + 1.5X kg + 1.2 kg = 6.2 kg;

2.5X kg = 6.2 kg – 1.2 kg;

2.5X kg = 5 kg;

X = 5 kg / 2.5 = 2 kg is the mass of zinc in the alloy.

Let’s check.

The mass of copper will be:

1.5X = 1.5 * 2 = 3 kg.

Let’s add the mass fractions of all metals:

2 kg + 3 kg + 1.2 kg = 6.2 kg.

Answer: The mass of zinc in the alloy is 6.2 kg.