GED Math Word Problem: Calculating Gravel Needed for Concrete Mixture

Understanding the Concrete Mixture Ratio

• 🎯 The problem involves a concrete mixture with a ratio of two parts cement to three parts gravel to four parts sand.
• 💡 The total ratio parts are calculated by summing the individual components: 2 (cement) + 3 (gravel) + 4 (sand) = 9 total parts.

Calculating Component Masses

• ⚖️ The contractor needs a total of 450 kg of the mixture.
• 🔍 To find the multiplier for each part, divide the total mixture weight by the total ratio parts: 450 kg / 9 parts = 50 kg per part.
• 🧱 Using this multiplier, the mass for each component is determined: Cement (2 parts * 50 kg/part = 100 kg), Gravel (3 parts * 50 kg/part = 150 kg), and Sand (4 parts * 50 kg/part = 200 kg).
• ✅ The sum of these masses (100 kg + 150 kg + 200 kg) confirms the total mixture weight of 450 kg.

Determining the Amount of Gravel

• 🔑 The specific question asks for the amount of gravel needed.
• 📈 Based on the calculations, the contractor needs 150 kg of gravel for the mixture.