SOLUTION: Two mechanics work on a care. The first mechanice for 20 hours the second mechanic for 5 hours. Together they charged $1650. what was the total charge of the two mechanics if to

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Two mechanics work on a care. The first mechanice for 20 hours the second mechanic for 5 hours. Together they charged $1650. what was the total charge of the two mechanics if to      Log On


   



Question 764435: Two mechanics work on a care. The first mechanice for 20 hours the second mechanic for 5 hours. Together they charged $1650. what was the total charge of the two mechanics if together they charged $135.
First mechanic per hour
second mechanic per hour

Answer by josgarithmetic(39623) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The problem description and question need to be adjusted to be precise and more sensible. Here is what they should be:

The first mechanic worked on a car for 20 hours and the second mechanic for 5 hours. Together they charged $1650. What was the rate of price per hour of each mechanic if their rates when added together are $135?

Note, the time amounts that each mechanic worked do not come with an indication that they worked at the same time; only that each mechanic worked for a different amount of time. The question I interpreted is, what does each mechanic separately charge?

Let m = rate per hour for one mechanic
Let n = rate per hour for the other mechanic

We can make two equations.
Account for their rates: highlight%28m%2Bn=135%29
Account for total charge: highlight%2820m%2B5n=1650%29

The total charge equation can be divided by 5 to give 4m%2Bn=330 and then you can choose any reasonable way to solve the system for m and n.