Suppose x grams of 8% solution should be mixed to make 100 g of 3% solution. here we shall have: the amount of 3% solution in the 100 g will be: 3/100*100=3 grams the the equation will be, 8% of what quantity becomes 3g? (8/100)*x=3 hence solving for x we shall have: 0.08x=3 x=3/0.08 x= 37.8 grams The implication of this is that, when you have 37.5 grams of 8% solution, that will contain 3 of pure chemical and hence when you add more solvent on top of 37.5 g until you reach 100g, that will be 3% solution.