Three types of sugar, M, N and P come in containers of 150 g, 200 g and 350 g respectively. Containers of M, N and P are mixed together in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 to obtain 27.3 kg of an assortment of sugar.

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

	M	N	P
Number	3 u	5 u	7 u
Value	150	200	350
Total value	450 u	1000 u	2450 u

(a)
Total mass of sugar
= 450 u + 1000 u + 2450 u
= 3900 u

3900 u = 27300

1 u = 27300 ÷ 3900 = 7

Total number of containers of M and N used
= 3 u + 5 u
= 8 u
= 8 x 7
= 56 

(b)
Combined weight of all the sugar in containers N and containers P
= 1000 u + 2450 u
= 3450 u

Difference between the combined weight of all the sugar in containers N and containers P as compared to the sugar in containers M
= 3450 u - 450 u
= 3000 u
= 3000 x 7
= 21000 g
= 21 kg 

Answer(s): (a) 56; (b) 21 kg