Use what we know to make equations in order to solve for each governor's salary. A=governor of state A B=governor of state B A+b=283,910. (Their salaries combined) A=B+50,440 (A earns 50,440 more than B) Sub A into the original formula to solve for B B+50,440+b=283,910 2B=283,910-50,440 2B=233,470 B=116,730 Sub B into the formula that's equal to A A=B+50,440 A=116,735+50,440 A=167,175 I hope this helps!