Question

Hamish and Harry work as plumbers. Harry earns a dollar more than the amount Hamish earns per hour. The amount Harry earns per hour is less than the amount Hamish earns per hour. How much does each of them earn per hour?

Answer 1

Hamish and Harry work as plumbers. Harry earns a dollar an hour more than 5/4 the amount hamish earns per hour. harry earns per hour is 2$ less than 7/5 the amount hamish earns per hour. how much do each of them make an hour

Explanation:

Let

x is the amount Harry earns

y is the amount Hamish earns

x=(5/4)y+1 ⇒ (x-1)*4/5 = y-------- equation 1

x=(7/5)y-2⇒ (x+2)*5/7 = y-------- equation 2

equals 1 and 2

(x-1)*4/5 = (x+2)*5/7

(4x-4)/5 = (5x+10)/7

(4x-4)*7 = (5x+10)*5

28x-28 = 25x+50

28x-25x = 50+28

3x = 78

x = 26

substitute x = 26 for y=(x-1)*4/5

y = (x-1)*4/5

y = (26-1)*4/5

y = 20

the answer is

Harry earns $26 an hour

Hamish earns $20 an hour