Question

Two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 15 hours, and the second mechanic worked for 5 hours. Together they charged a total of $1725.

What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $195 per hour?
Note that the ALEKS graphing calculator can be used to make computations easier.
х
5
?
First mechanic: $ [per hour
Second mechanic: $ per hour

Answer 1

75

120

Explanation:

Let the first mechanic's hourly rate = x

Let the second mechanic's hourly rate = y

x + y = 195

15x + 5y = 1725 Divide this equation by 5

3x + y = 345 Write the first equation below this one. Subtract

x + y = 195

2x = 150 Divide by 2

x = 150/2

x = 75

====================

x + y = 195

75 + y = 195

y = 195 - 75

y = 120