Question

Two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 20 hours, and the second mechanic worked for 5 hours. Together they charged a total of
$1625. What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $160 per hour?
Note that the ALEKS graphing calculator can be used to make computations easier.
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Answer 1

Answer:

The first mechanic charges $45/hour while the second mechanic charges $50/hr

Step-by-step explanation:

X = rate of first mechanic

Y = rate of second mechanic

X + Y = 95 --->   Y = 95 - X

20X +5Y = 1150

Substituting the first equation into the second,

20X + 5(95 - X) = 1150

20X +  475 - 5X = 1150

15X + 475 = 1150

15x = 1150 - 475

15x = 675

X = 675/15 = 45 --> y = 95 - 45 = 50

CHECK: Plugging these results into the second equation:

                 20*45 + 5*50 = 900 + 250 = 1150

YES! Success! It checks!

So the first mechanic charges $45/hour while the second mechanic charges $50/hr! :)