Question

Please help with math question

Answer 1

Let
`x` be the number of heavy equipment operators, and
`y` the number of general laborers.
We know for our problem that total number of workers is 39, so
`x+y=39` equation (1). We also know that the construction firm pays heavy equipment operators $137 per day and general laborers $86 per day and the total payroll was $4680, so
`137x+86y=4680` equation (2).

Solve for
`x` in equation (1)

`x+y=39`

`x=39-y` equation (3)

Replace equation (3) in equation (2)

`137x+86y=4680`

`137(39-y)+86y=4680`

`5343-137y+86y=4680`

`-51y=-663`

`y= (663)/(51)`

`y=13` equation (4)

Replace equation (4) in equation (3)

`x=39-y`

`x=39-13`

`x=26`

We can conclude that the number of heavy operators hired was 26, and the number of general laborers hired was 13.

Answer 2

let hv = heavy eq worker
ge = general laborers

hv + ge = 39
137hv + 86 ge =4680

substitute equation 1 to 2
we get:

ge = 13
hv = 39-13 = 26