Set up equations and determine the wage

Question

3 bricklayers and 4 carpenters earn a total of $910 per day. 10 bricklayers and 5 carpenters earn a total of $1850 per day. (a) Set up a system of equations to describe the word problem. (b) Determine the daily wage of a bricklayer.

Answer 1

Let x = the daily wage of a bricklayer

Let y = the daily wage of a carpenter

3x + 4y = 910          Multiply both sides of this equation by -5.

10x + 5y = 1850      Multiply both sides of this equation by 4. 

 

-15x - 20y = -4550

40x + 20y = 740025x = 2850

x = $114