Question 1031124
x = price of a desktop computer
y = price of a laptop computer


the price of the laptop computer is 200 less than the price of a desktop computer.


this means that y = x - 200.


i1 = interest on desktop computer.
i2 = interest on laptop computer.


i1 = .09 * x
i2 = .07 * y


the total finance charges for one year are 306.


this means that i1 + i2 = 306 which means that .09x + .07y = 306.


since y = x - 100, this formula becomes .09x + .07(x-200) = 306.


simplify to get .09x + .07x - 14 = 306


combine like terms to get .16x - 14 = 306.


add 14 to both sides of the equation to get .16x = 320.


divide both sides of this equation by .16 to get x = 2000.


since y = x - 100, this means that y is equal to 1800.


the desktop computer cost 2000.
the laptop computer cost 1800.


.09 * 2000 = 180.
.07 * 1800 = 126.


180 + 126 = 306.


solution is confirmed to be correct.


the desktop computer cost 2000 before the finance charge was applied.
the laptop computer cost 1800 before the finance charge was applied.