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? (hint: if you decide to use cents instead of dollars,then use 450 cents per hour and 37200 cents total earnings)
To solve this problem, we'll set up a system of equations using the given information. Let's assume that the apprentice makes x dollars per hour.
Since the plumber makes $4.50 more per hour than the apprentice, we can say that the plumber makes (x + 4.50) dollars per hour.
Next, we use the second piece of information: during an 8-hour day, their combined earnings total $372. If the apprentice works for 8 hours, their total earnings will be 8x dollars. Similarly, if the plumber works for 8 hours, their total earnings will be 8(x + 4.50) dollars.
Now, we can set up the equation: 8x + 8(x + 4.50) = 372.
Simplifying the equation, we have: 8x + 8x + 36 = 372.
Combining like terms, we get: 16x + 36 = 372.
Next, we'll isolate the variable: subtract 36 from both sides, giving us 16x = 336.
Finally, divide both sides by 16: x = 21.
Therefore, the apprentice makes $21 per hour. Since the plumber makes $4.50 more, the plumber makes $21 + $4.50 = $25.50 per hour.
Let x = plumber's wage, then x-4.5 = apprentice's.
8(x + x - 4.5) = 372
Solve for x, then x-4.5.