Question

two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 10 hours, and the second mechanic worked for 5 hours. Together they charged a total of $1500 . What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $195 per hour?

Answer 1

The first mechanic charges $105 per hour, and the second mechanic charges $90 per hour.

Explanation:

If x is the rate of the first mechanic, and y is the rate of the second mechanic, then:

10x + 5y = 1500

x + y = 195

Solve the system of equations using elimination or substitution. Using substitution:

10x + 5 (195 − x) = 1500

10x + 975 − 5x = 1500

5x = 525

x = 105

y = 195 − x

y = 90

The first mechanic charges $105 per hour, and the second mechanic charges $90 per hour.