Jennifer earn 2 million less than half of carries earnings. If their combined earnings is 19 million how much did they each make

Question

Supposedly the answer is 5 and 14 but I can't figure out how to get those 

Answer 1

Hi James,

 

Let's begin by assigning the letter x to Carrie's earnings.  Then we can express Jennifer's earnings as x/2 - 2 (half of Carrie's earnings less 2 mil.).

 

Together they made 19 mil., which will give us our equation to solve for x (Carrie's earnings):

x + x/2 - 2 = 19

(2)(x) + 2(x/2) - (2)(2) = (2)(19)

2x + x - 4 = 38

3x - 4 = 38

3x = 38 + 4

3x = 42

x = 42/3

x = 14 mil. (Carrie's earnings)

x/2 - 2 = 14/2 - 2

          = 7 - 2

          = 5 mil. (Jennifer's earnings)

 

Thanks for submitting this problem and glad to help.

 

God bless, Jordan.