Three types of chilli powder, L, M and N come in containers of 90 g, 150 g and 240 g respectively. Containers of L, M and N are mixed together in the ratio 1 : 3 : 4 to obtain 9 kg of an assortment of chilli powder.

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

	L	M	N
Number	1 u	3 u	4 u
Value	90	150	240
Total value	90 u	450 u	960 u

(a)
Total mass of chilli powder
= 90 u + 450 u + 960 u
= 1500 u

1500 u = 9000

1 u = 9000 ÷ 1500 = 6

Total number of containers of L and M used
= 1 u + 3 u
= 4 u
= 4 x 6
= 24 

(b)
Combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers M and containers N
= 450 u + 960 u
= 1410 u

Difference between the combined weight of all the chilli powder in containers M and containers N as compared to the chilli powder in containers L
= 1410 u - 90 u
= 1320 u
= 1320 x 6
= 7920 g
= 7.92 kg 

Answer(s): (a) 24; (b) 7.92 kg