linear equations word problems

Question

The average yearly salary of an American whose final degree is a master's is $49 thousand less than twice that of an American whose final degree is a bachelor's. Combined, two people with each of these educational attainments earn $116 thousand. Find the average yearly salary of Americans with each of these final degrees

Answer 1

m + b = 116,000 ------> m = 116,000 - b

m = 2b - 49,000

 

Hey, m equals two different things, so those two things are equal.

 

116,000 - b = 2b - 49,000

3b = 165,000

b = 55,000

 

m = 116,000 - 55,000 = 61,000