Solution Mixture Formula
Formula: (OV1)(OS1) + (OV2)(OS2) = (NV)(NS)
OV1= Old Volume 1
OS1 = Old Strength 1
OV2 = Old Volume 2
OS2 = Old Strength 2
NV = New Volume
NS = New Strength
Note: OV1, OS1, OV2, OS2 are initial solutions meaning the first ones given. This formula is to find the extra % or ml that made the final volume solution or final strength solution.
[EX] A solution of 500ml of a 25% was made. One of the initial solution was 200ml of a 10% mixed with a 300ml of another solution. What is the final strength of the other initial strength?
Step 1: Plug given information in the formula to get a clear view on what it is missing and asking:
(OV1)(OS1) + (OV2)(OS2) = (NV)(NS)
(200ml)(10%) + (300ml)(X) = (500ml)(25%) [As you can see OS2 is not given so we would plug X to solve]
Step 2: Categorize solutions to solve
Solution 1 Solution 2 Solution 3
10% in 200ml x % in 300ml = 25% in 500ml
Step 3: 10 x 200= 2000 300x 25 x 500= 12500
Step 4: 2000 + 300x = 12500
Step 5: 300x = 12500 - 2000 = 10500
Step 6: Divide both sides to isolate x
[300x / 300] [10500 / 300 = 35] Final answer: X = 35% is in 300ml of a solution
