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Write an algebraic equation for the following problem and then solve it.

When Angela and Walker first started working for the supermarket, their weekly salaries totaled $650. Now during the last 25 years
Walker has seen his weekly salary double. Angela has seen her weekly salary become three times larger. Together their weekly
salaries now total $1730. How much did they each make 25 years ago?

User Fiacobelli
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1 Answer

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Let's denote Angela's weekly salary 25 years ago as A, and Walker's weekly salary 25 years ago as W.

According to the given information, their weekly salaries totaled $650 25 years ago, so we can write the equation:
A + W = 650

Additionally, it is stated that Walker's weekly salary has doubled, and Angela's weekly salary has become three times larger. Therefore, their current weekly salaries can be expressed as:
Walker's current salary = 2W
Angela's current salary = 3A

The problem also states that their current weekly salaries together total $1730, so we can write another equation:
2W + 3A = 1730

Now we have a system of two equations:
A + W = 650
2W + 3A = 1730

To solve this system, we can use substitution or elimination. Let's solve it using the substitution method:

From the first equation, we can express A in terms of W:
A = 650 - W

Substituting this expression for A into the second equation:
2W + 3(650 - W) = 1730

Simplifying the equation:
2W + 1950 - 3W = 1730
-W = -220
W = 220

Now, substitute the value of W back into the first equation to find A:
A + 220 = 650
A = 650 - 220
A = 430

Therefore, 25 years ago, Walker made $220 per week, and Angela made $430 per week.
User Vlsd
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