SOLUTION: Thomas bought two cars at an auction.The first car cost him 2000 more than twice the price of the second car.The two cars cost him $14,000 total.how much did he pay for each car?

Hi

first car cost him 2000 more than twice the price of the second car

Let x and (2x + 2000) represent the prices of the second and first car respectitvely

Question states***

  x  + (2x + 2000) = $14,000

      3x = 12,000

       x = $4,000, the second car.  The first car $10,000,    (2*$4000 + $2000)



In reply to Your question:One may, in an example like this..

try various combinations adding up to $14,000,finding the one combination that

 satisfies the criteria of one being $2000 more than twice the other.

Like $10,000 and $4,000 do. 

However, using the criteria and assigning the x and (2x+2000)FIRST

and then putting those together for the sum...is the 'fastest and surest' way