The number of atoms of platinum (Pt) in the universe is estimated to be 1.4 times the number of atoms of silicon (Si) in the universe. The number of atoms of silver (Ag) in the universe is estimated to be 0.33 times the number of atoms of silicon in the universe. Based on these estimates, the number of atoms of platinum in the universe is approximately how many times the number of atoms of silver in the universe?
Please show how you got the answer because I got this wrong on my practice test and I don't know why it's showing a different answer.
Please show how you got the answer because I got this wrong on my practice test and I don't know why it's showing a different answer.
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Let Si be the number of atoms of silicon, Pt be the number of atoms of platinum, and Ag be the number of atoms of silver.
The number of atoms of platinum is 1.4Si
Pt = 1.4Si
The number of atoms of silver is .33Si
Ag = .33Si
Solving this equation for Si
Si = (1/.33)Ag = 3Ag
Substituting into equation for Pt in terms of Si
Pt = 1.4Si = (1.4)(3Ag)
Pt = 4.2Ag
The number of atoms of platinum is 1.4Si
Pt = 1.4Si
The number of atoms of silver is .33Si
Ag = .33Si
Solving this equation for Si
Si = (1/.33)Ag = 3Ag
Substituting into equation for Pt in terms of Si
Pt = 1.4Si = (1.4)(3Ag)
Pt = 4.2Ag
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pt = 1.4 si
ag = 0.33 si
Two equations, two unknowns. Several ways to do it. One way is...
Multiply the second by 1.4 / 0.33
Subtract one equation from the other, and viola, you've eliminated the silicon...
pt = (1.4 / 0.33) ag
Think of it this way. pt > si and si > ag
ag = 0.33 si
Two equations, two unknowns. Several ways to do it. One way is...
Multiply the second by 1.4 / 0.33
Subtract one equation from the other, and viola, you've eliminated the silicon...
pt = (1.4 / 0.33) ag
Think of it this way. pt > si and si > ag