What is the formula for calculating how many pounds of ingredient are needed per 100 gallons of solution?

The formula for calculating how many pounds of active ingredient are needed per 100 gallons of solution is crucial for effective pesticide application. The correct answer, which involves the first option, accurately reflects the relationship between the area being treated, the rate of application, and the concentration of the active ingredient.

When using the formula (lb ai per acre x 100) / (gal spray per acre x percent ai), you are effectively determining how much of the active ingredient is required for a specific volume of solution. Here’s how it works:

1. lb ai per acre represents the amount of active ingredient recommended for one acre of treatment.

2. By multiplying this figure by 100, you are scaling up the application amount to correspond with a 100-gallon solution, which is a common unit in pesticide applications.

3. Dividing by (gal spray per acre x percent ai) adjusts for the total gallons sprayed per acre and the percentage of active ingredient in the mixture. This ensures that calculations take into account how much of the total solution is actually the active ingredient, allowing for precise measurement.

This method is essential to ensure that applications remain effective while minimizing waste and environmental impact. The other choices either misrepresent the relationship needed for the calculation or do