A rectangular tank is divided into two compartments by a vertical partition. The compartments hold water in the ratio 5 : 3. After 24 litres of water flow from the larger compartment into the smaller, the volumes are in the ratio 1 : 1. Now the tank is tipped so that the partition no longer holds water and the contents mix. Originally, the smaller compartment had how many litres of water?
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Worked Solution
Step 1: Let smaller = 3u, larger = 5u (ratio 5 : 3 means larger : smaller).
Step 2: After 24 L moves: smaller = 3u + 24, larger = 5u − 24.
Step 3: Equal: 3u + 24 = 5u − 24 → 2u = 48 → u = 24.
Step 4: Smaller original = 3 × 24 = 72 litres.
Answer: 72
Correct answer: 72
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