Question

Suppose the average yearly salary of an individual whose final degree is a master's is $49 thousand less than twice that of an individual whose final degree is a

bachelor's. Combined, two people with each of these educational attainments earn $116 thousand. Find the average yearly salary of an individual with each of
these final degrees.

Answer 1

Bachelor's Degree: $55,000
Master's Degree: $61,000

Explanation:

First start defining variables for each of the salaries

Let M be the salary of the master's individual

Let B be the salary of the bachelor's individual

Given:
Average yearly salary of an individual whose final degree is a master's is $49 thousand less than twice that of an individual whose final degree is a bachelor's

can be translated into the equation

M = 2B - 49,000

Subtract M from both sides and add 49,000 to both sides:

49,000 = 2B - M

Switch sides:

2B - M = 49,000 [1]

Together they earned 116,000 becomes

B + M = 116,000 [2]

Add equations [1] and [2] to eliminate M
2B - M + B + M = 49,000 +116000
3B = 165000

B = 165000/3 = 55,000

Using equation 2, B + M = 116000 we get

55000 + M = 116000

M = 116000 - 55000 = 61,000

Solution
Bachelor's Degree: $55,000
Master's Degree: $61,000