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AlgebraMediumCapacity from two fractional fill levels

Algebra practice question

A tank is two fifths full. After 36 litres are added, it is seven tenths full. What is the capacity of the tank, in litres?

Answer: 120

(7/10 − 2/5)C = 36 → (7/10 − 4/10)C = (3/10)C = 36 → C = 120.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 48
48 is the volume in the tank before the 36 litres were added (2/5 of 120).
If you answered 90
90 comes from (2/5)C = 36, treating the 36 litres as the original contents.
If you answered 51.4
51.4 comes from (7/10)C = 36.

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