Question

Two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 10 hours, the second mechanic worked for 5. Together they charged a total of 950$ What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was 125$ per hour?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Let x = the hourly rate of the first mechanic and

y = the hourly rate of the second mechanic.

As far as the equation goes for the total amount charged:

10x + 5y = 950

As far as the equation goes for the sum of the 2 mechanics' rates:

x + y = 125

Solve the first equation for either x or y. I solved for y:

y = 125 - x

Now plug that into the first equation for y to get:

10x + 5(125 - x) = 950 and

10x + 625 - 5x = 950 and

5x = 325 so

x = 65

The first mechanic charges $65 per hour and the second mechanic charges

y = 125 - 65 so

the second mechanic charges $60 per hour.