When mixing a quantity of paints . Dyes of four different colors are used in the ratio 7:3:19::5. If the mass of the first dye used is 3 and half g, determine the total mass of the dyes used.

The ratio of dyes can be written as 7x : 3x : 19x : 5x.

We know that the mass of the first dye (7x) is 3.5 g.
So, 7x = 3.5
x = 0.5
Therefore, the masses of the four dyes are:
3.5 g (7x)
1.5 g (3x)
9.5 g (19x)
2.5 g (5x)
The total mass of the dyes used is:
3.5 + 1.5 + 9.5 + 2.5 = 17 g.