money made per hour

Question

A plumber makes $4.50 per hour more than his apprentice. During an 8-hour day, their combined earnings total $372. How much does each make per hour? Make a chart

Answer 1

Hi Riley from Covington...hope you had a great day at school. An Algebra word problem...everyone's favorite...Right? NOT!

Anyway...I'm going to give you a hint in beginning to answer this question...but I won't do it for you because once you figure it out...you will see how simple it is. If you still have problems...contact me on Wyzant I will be glad to help.

 

Let's start with writing down the things we know:   the plumber earns $4.50 more than the apprentice. So we can assume that the apprentice makes a certain amount per hour...we'll label that as a...so     a = $$/hour

We also know that the plumber (we'll label that as p )makes $4.50 more each hour they work...so   p = a + 4.50

We also know that when we combine...[ADD] their pay together for an 8 hour day it will total $372...so 

Now remember this is just for one hours work. for 8 hours we'll need to do what??? So...     8(p + a) = $372

Using substitution:      8(a + 4.5 + a) = $372       Calculate what 'a' is then you will know what the apprentice makes.

Since our teacher is asking to plot...make a chart...you will need to calculate the money each earns for one hours work, then 2 hours of work, 3 hours of work...and so one.

I've worked it out and it works out...but I would like 

One side of the graph will be amount of money and the other side of the graph will be hours worked.

 

Okay...a lot of hints here...to get started. Try and calculate what i