Bill earned $4 less than twice what Jim earned. Together, bill and Jim earned $95. How much did each earn?

Question

Math algebra 1 words problem 

need to identify variables, write equations, solve it, and answer questions 

Answer 1

Let Jim's earnings= x

Let Bill's earnings= 2x-4

 

We are told that: Together what Jim and Bill earn is equal to what Jim earns plus what Bill earns.

That means: 95=x + (2x-4)

Solve for x.

95+4 = x + 2x

99= 3x

99/3 = x

33 = x

Therefore, Jim earns $33. Bill earns $62 because we solve: Bill's earnings= 2x -4

                                                                                                          =2(33)-4

                                                                                                          =66-4

                                                                                                          =62