Three types of chilli powder, K, L and M come in containers of 180 g, 240 g and 300 g respectively. Containers of K, L and M are mixed together in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 to obtain 34.56 kg of an assortment of chilli powder.

1. How many containers of K and L are used altogether?
2. Find the difference between the combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers L and containers M as compared to the chilli powder in containers K. Express the weight in kilograms.

	K	L	M
Number	3 u	5 u	7 u
Value	180	240	300
Total value	540 u	1200 u	2100 u

(a)
Total mass of chilli powder
= 540 u + 1200 u + 2100 u
= 3840 u

3840 u = 34560

1 u = 34560 ÷ 3840 = 9

Total number of containers of K and L used
= 3 u + 5 u
= 8 u
= 8 x 9
= 72 

(b)
Combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers L and containers M
= 1200 u + 2100 u
= 3300 u

Difference between the combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers L and containers M as compared to the chilli powder in containers K
= 3300 u - 540 u
= 2760 u
= 2760 x 9
= 24840 g
= 24.84 kg 

Answer(s): (a) 72; (b) 24.84 kg