Q:

Percy works two part-time jobs to help pay for college classes. On Monday, he works 3 hours at the library and 2 hours at the coffee cart and earns $36.50. On Tuesday, he works 2 hours at the library and 5 hours at the coffee cart and earns $50. His hourly wage at the library, x, and hourly wage at the coffee cart, y, can be determined using the system of equations below. 3x + 2y = 36.50 2x + 5y = 50.00 At which job does Percy earn the greater hourly wage? How much does Percy earn each hour at this job? A). Percy earns a greater hourly wage of $7.00 at the library. B). Percy earns a greater hourly wage of $7.00 at the coffee cart. C). Percy earns a greater hourly wage of $7.50 at the library. D). Percy earns a greater hourly wage of $7.50 at the coffee cart.

Accepted Solution

A:
Answer:Hourly wage at the library = x = $7.5Hourly wage at the coffee cart = y = $7Step-by-step explanation:LetHourly wage at the library = xHourly wage at the coffee cart = yOn Monday, he works 3 hours at the library and 2 hours at the coffee cart and earns $36.50.Hence:3x + 2y = 36.5.... Equation 1 On Tuesday, he works 2 hours at the library and 5 hours at the coffee cart and earns $50. 2x + 5y = 50...... Equation 2Combining both Equations3x + 2y = 36.5.... Equation 12x + 5y = 50...... Equation 2We solve using Elimination method, Multiply Equation 1 by 2 and Equation 2 by 3 which are coefficients of x to eliminate x6x + 4y = 73 .. Equation 36x + 15y = 150...... Equation 4Subtract Equation 3 from Equation 411y = 77y = 77/11y = 7 Solving for x using Equation 22x + 5y = 50...... Equation 22x + 5 × 7 = 502x + 35 = 502x = 50-352x = 15x = 15/2x = 7.5 Therefore, Hourly wage at the library = x = $7.5Hourly wage at the coffee cart = y = $7