Question

Two friends, Darren and Michael, together earn $30 more than twice what Brian earns per month. If Darren and Michael together earn $3,800, how much does Brian earn? Answer Choices

Answer 1

Lets assign some variables: Let
y = Darren + Michael
x = Brian.
Given:
y = 2x + 30 (Darren and Michael [y] earn [=] 30 more than[+30] twice what Brian earns[2x])
y = 3800 (Darren and Michael [y] earn [=] $3800)
Solve for x: What Brian earns.

I will solve this by substitution. Plugging in 3800 for y:
3800 = 2x + 30 subtract 30 from both sides
3770 = 2x divide by 2 on both sides
1885 = x flip the equation
x = 1885
Brian earns $1885 per month.