Step 1 :Let the amount of birdseed be \(x\) pounds and the amount of sunflower seeds be \(y\) pounds. We have the following equations:
Step 2 :1. \(x + y = 50\) (total weight of the mixture)
Step 3 :2. \(0.69x + 0.99y = 0.79 * 50\) (total cost of the mixture)
Step 4 :Solve the system of equations to find the values of \(x\) and \(y\):
Step 5 :\(x = 50 - y\)
Step 6 :Substitute \(x\) in the second equation:
Step 7 :\(0.69(50 - y) + 0.99y = 39.5\)
Step 8 :Solve for \(y\):
Step 9 :\(y \approx 16.67\)
Step 10 :Substitute \(y\) back into the equation for \(x\):
Step 11 :\(x = 50 - 16.67\)
Step 12 :\(x \approx 33.33\)
Step 13 :\(\boxed{x \approx 33.33}\) pounds of birdseed should be used.