Three types of chilli powder, N, P and Q come in containers of 200 g, 300 g and 350 g respectively. Containers of N, P and Q are mixed together in the ratio 1 : 4 : 7 to obtain 30.8 kg of an assortment of chilli powder.

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

	N	P	Q
Number	1 u	4 u	7 u
Value	200	300	350
Total value	200 u	1200 u	2450 u

(a)
Total mass of chilli powder
= 200 u + 1200 u + 2450 u
= 3850 u

3850 u = 30800

1 u = 30800 ÷ 3850 = 8

Total number of containers of N and P used
= 1 u + 4 u
= 5 u
= 5 x 8
= 40 

(b)
Combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers P and containers Q
= 1200 u + 2450 u
= 3650 u

Difference between the combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers P and containers Q as compared to the chilli powder in containers N
= 3650 u - 200 u
= 3450 u
= 3450 x 8
= 27600 g
= 27.6 kg 

Answer(s): (a) 40; (b) 27.6 kg