Question

Two mechanics worked on a car. The first mechanic worked for 10 hours, and the second mechanic worked for 15 hours. Together they charged a total of $2350 . What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $175 per hour?

Answer 1

x = 1st mechanic, y = 2nd mechanic

x + y = 175...x = 175 - y
10x + 15y = 2350

10(175 - y) + 15y = 2350
1750 - 10y + 15y = 2350
-10y + 15y = 2350 - 1750
5y = 600
y = 600/5
y = 120 <== 2nd mechanic earned 120 per hr

x = 175 - y
x = 175 - 120
x = 55 <== 1st mechanic earned 55 per hr