Question

Two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 5 hours, and the second mechanic worked for 15 hours. Together they charged a total of $2125. What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $205 per hour?

Answer 1

The rate charged per hour by the first mechanic is 125, and the rate charged per hour by the second mechanic is 80.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's assume the rate charged by the first mechanic is x dollars per hour, and the rate charged by the second mechanic is y dollars per hour.

According to the given information, the first mechanic worked for 5 hours, so the total amount charged by the first mechanic is 5x dollars. Similarly, the second mechanic worked for 15 hours, so the total amount charged by the second mechanic is 15y dollars.

Together, they charged a total of 2125, so we can write the equation:

5x + 15y = 2125

The sum of the two rates was 205 per hour, so we can write the second equation:

x + y = 205

To solve these equations, we can use the method of substitution or elimination.

Solving this system of equations, we find that x = 125 per hour and y = 80 per hour.