The levels of mercury in two different bodies of water are rising. In one body of water the initial measure of mercury is 0.05 parts per billion (ppb) and is rising at a rate of 0.1 ppb each year. In the second body of water the initial measure is 0.12 ppb and the rate of increase is 0.06 ppb each year.

Answer:[tex]0.05 + 0.1y = 0.12 - 0.06y[/tex]Step-by-step explanation:Given(A)[tex]Initial = 0.05[/tex][tex]Rate = 0.1[/tex](B)[tex]Initial = 0.12[/tex][tex]Rate = -0.06[/tex] -- it is negative, because it decreasesRequiredWhen both will be equalThe current amount is calculated using:[tex]Amount = Initial + Rate * y[/tex]Where:[tex]y \to years[/tex]For A, we have:[tex]Amount = 0.05 + 0.1 * y[/tex][tex]Amount = 0.05 + 0.1y[/tex]For B, we have:[tex]Amount = 0.12 - 0.06*y[/tex][tex]Amount = 0.12 - 0.06y[/tex]Both are equal when:[tex]0.05 + 0.1y = 0.12 - 0.06y[/tex]