Question 1205921
.
A plumber earns $15 per hour more than her apprentice. 
In each 40-hour week, their combined earnings are $2200. 
What is the hourly rate for each?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


<pre>
Let x be the plumber's rate per hour, in dollars.
Then the apprentice rate per hour is (x-15) dollars.


The combined earning per 40-hours week equation is

    40x + 40*(x-15) = 2200.


Simplify and find x

    40x + 40x - 600 = 2200

    80x = 2200 + 600 = 2800

      x              = 2800/80 = 35.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  The plumber's hourly rate is $35.  The apprentice's hourly rate is $20.


<U>CHECK</U>.   Combined earning for 40-hours week is 40*(35+20) = 2200 dollars.   ! correct !
</pre>

Solved.