Question 1111565
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<U>Solution 1</U>


<pre>
Let x be the hourly rate of the first mechanic in dollars per hour, and
let y be the hourly rate of the second mechanic. 

Then from the condition, you have this system of two linear equations

20x + 15y = 2225,    (1)  
  x +   y =  130.    (2)


From equation (2), express y = 130 - x and substitute it into equation (1), replacing y. 
You will get a single equation for only one unknown

20x + 15*(130-x) = 2225  dollars.     (3)


Simplify and solve for x:

20x + 1950 - 15x = 2225  ====>

5x = 2225 - 1950 = 275  ====>  x = {{{275/5}}} = 55.


Thus the first mechanic's rate is $55 per hour.


Then the second mechanic's rate is $130 - $55 = $75 per hour.
</pre>

<B>Solution 2</B>


<pre>
Let x be the rate of the first mechanic in dollars per hour.
Then the rate of the second mechanic is (130-x) dollars per hour.

The "amount" equation is

20x + 15*(130-x) = 2225  dollars.


It is the same equation (3) of the PREVIOUS solution, and it leads to the same answer.
</pre>

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For similar solved problems see the lesson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/coordinate/lessons/Two-mechanics-work-on-a-car.lesson>Two mechanics work on a car</A> 

in this site.