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 $1950. What was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $200 per hour?

Answer 1

X = rate of mechanic who worked 5 hours

y = rate of mechanic who worked 15 hours

x + y = 200
5x + 15y = 1950

you find the first variable in one of the equations, then subsitute the result into the other equation. your answer would be:

the mechanic who worked for 5 hours charged $105 per hour, the one who worked 15 hours charged $95 per hour.

hope this helps :)