Answer:
First: $65
Second: $115
Step-by-step explanation:
We write equations for each part of this situation.
<u>The Total Charge</u>
Together they charged 1550. This means 1550 is made up of the first mechanics rate for 15 hours and the second's rate for 5 hours. Lets call the first's rate a, so he charges 15a. The second's let's call b. He charges 5b. We add them together 15a+5b=1550.
<u>The Sum of the Rates</u>
Since the first's rate is a and the second is b, we can write a+b=180 since their sum is 180.
We solve for a and b by substituting one equation into another. Solve for the variable. Then substitute the value into the equation to find the other variable.
For a+b=180, rearrange to b=180-a and substitute into 15a+5b=1550.
15a + 5 (180-a)=1550
15a+900-5a=1550
10a+900-900=1550-900
10a=650
a=$65 was charged by the first mechanic.
We substitute to find the second mechanic's rate.
65+b=180
65-65+b=180-65
b= $115 was charged by the second mechanic
