Texas Class A Barber Written ExamSanitation, Disinfection, and SafetyHard

A barber is using a new disinfectant concentrate that requires a 1:128 dilution ratio. If the barber needs to make 1 gallon of ready-to-use solution, how much disinfectant concentrate should be added to the water?

  1. A4 fluid ounces
  2. B0.5 fluid ounces
  3. C2 fluid ounces
  4. D1 fluid ounce
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 1 fluid ounce

A 1:128 dilution means 1 part concentrate to 128 parts total solution. To make 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) of solution, you need 1 fluid ounce of concentrate. (1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces. 128 fluid ounces / 128 parts = 1 fluid ounce per part).

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 4 fl oz would result in a 1:32 dilution, which is significantly too strong.
  • B. 0.5 fl oz would result in a 1:256 dilution, which is too weak.
  • C. 2 fl oz would result in a 1:64 dilution, which is too strong.

Dilution Ratio Calculation (1:128)

To achieve a 1:128 dilution for 1 gallon of solution, 1 fluid ounce of concentrate is needed, as 1 gallon equals 128 fluid ounces.

  • 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces.
  • Ratio X:Y means X parts concentrate to Y total parts solution.
  • Calculation: (Total volume / Y) * X = amount of concentrate.

Memory trick: Gallons are 128, so 1:128 means one ounce to save your labor!

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