two mechanics worked on a car the first mechanic worked for 5 hours and the second mechanic worked for 15 hours together they charged a total of 1750 what was the rate charged per hour by each mechanic if the sum of the two rates was 160 per hour

rate of first --- $x

rate of 2nd ---- $ (160-x)

5x + 15(160-x) = 1750
5x + 2400 - 15x = 1750
-10x = -650
x = 65

1st one charged $65 per hour
2nd charged $95 per hour

check:
5(65) + 15(95) = 1750
65+95 = 160

To find the rate charged per hour by each mechanic, we can start by assigning variables to represent their rates. Let's say the rate of the first mechanic is R1 (in dollars per hour) and the rate of the second mechanic is R2 (also in dollars per hour).

We are given that the two mechanics worked together for a total of 5 + 15 = 20 hours. And the total amount charged for their work was $1750.

Now, let's set up two equations:

Equation 1: R1 + R2 = 160 (since the sum of their rates is 160 per hour)
Equation 2: R1 * 5 + R2 * 15 = 1750 (since the total amount charged is $1750)

We can solve these two equations simultaneously to find the values of R1 and R2.

Using Equation 1, we can find the value of R1:
R1 = 160 - R2

Substituting this value of R1 into Equation 2, we get:
(160 - R2) * 5 + R2 * 15 = 1750
800 - 5R2 + 15R2 = 1750
10R2 = 950
R2 = 95

Now we can substitute the value of R2 back into Equation 1 to find R1:
R1 = 160 - R2
R1 = 160 - 95
R1 = 65

Therefore, the rate charged per hour by the first mechanic is $65, and the rate charged per hour by the second mechanic is $95.