Three types of flour, M, N and P come in containers of 80 g, 200 g and 280 g respectively. Containers of M, N and P are mixed together in the ratio 2 : 4 : 5 to obtain 14.16 kg of an assortment of flour.

1. How many containers of M and N are used altogether?
2. Find the difference between the combined weight of all the flour in containers N and containers P as compared to the flour in containers M. Express the weight in kilograms.

	M	N	P
Number	2 u	4 u	5 u
Value	80	200	280
Total value	160 u	800 u	1400 u

(a)
Total mass of flour
= 160 u + 800 u + 1400 u
= 2360 u

2360 u = 14160

1 u = 14160 ÷ 2360 = 6

Total number of containers of M and N used
= 2 u + 4 u
= 6 u
= 6 x 6
= 36 

(b)
Combined weight of all the flour in containers N and containers P
= 800 u + 1400 u
= 2200 u

Difference between the combined weight of all the flour in containers N and containers P as compared to the flour in containers M
= 2200 u - 160 u
= 2040 u
= 2040 x 6
= 12240 g
= 12.24 kg 

Answer(s): (a) 36; (b) 12.24 kg