Let the number of pounds of copper to be added = C
Note.....that if the final mixture is 10% zinc.....then the final mixture must contain 90% copper
So
[amt of copper present + amt of copper added] / [ whole mixture ] = 90% copper
Note that the whole mixture amt = 150 + amt of copper to be added
So
[ 100 + C ] / [ 150 + C] = .90 multiply both sides by 150 + C
100 + C = .90 [ 150 + C] simplify
100 + C = 135 + .90C subtract 100, .90C from both sides
.1C = 35 divide both sides by .1
C = 350 lbs of copper are to be added
Proof
[350 + 100] / [ 150 + 350 ] = .90 = 90%
