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 $1925 . what was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was $205 per hour?
Let x and y represent the hourly rates of the first and second mechanics, respectively. .. x + y = 205 . . . . . . . the sum of the two rates was $205 per hour .. 5x +15y = 1925 . . . . they charged a total of $1925
Divide the second equation by 5, then subtract the first equation. .. x +3y = 385 .. (x +3y) -(x +y) = (385) -(205) .. 2y = 180 .. y = 90 .. x = 205 -y = 115
The first mechanic charged $115 per hour; the second charged $90 per hour.
