Step 1: Set up the unknown.
Let \(V\) litres of the 30% alcohol solution be added to the 40 litres of 60% alcohol solution.
Step 2: Write the alcohol balance equation.
The alcohol contributed by the first solution is \(0.30V\), and the alcohol contributed by the second solution is \(0.60 \times 40 = 24\) litres. The total mixture has volume \(V + 40\) litres and needs to be 50% alcohol, so: \(0.30V + 24 = 0.50(V + 40)\).
Step 3: Expand and simplify.
\(0.30V + 24 = 0.50V + 20\).
Step 4: Solve for V.
\(24 - 20 = 0.50V - 0.30V\), so \(4 = 0.20V\), giving \(V = 20\).
Step 5: Verify and match with options.
Adding 20 litres of 30% solution gives \(0.30 \times 20 = 6\) litres of alcohol, and the 40 litres of 60% solution gives 24 litres of alcohol. Total alcohol = 30 litres in a total volume of 60 litres, which is exactly 50%. This confirms \(V = 20\), matching option (2). None of the other volumes, 30, 24 or 32 litres, satisfy this balance check.