let

p = the salary of the president

d = the salary of the department heads

the president of a certain university receives a salary three times the salary of one of the department heads

p = 3d

the total of the two salaries is $210,000

p + d = 210000

by solving the system of equations

p = 3d

p + d = 210000

we find

d = $52,500

p = $157,500

click here to see the step by step solution of the system of equations

the salary of the president is $157,500.

the salary of the department heads is $52,500.