Problema Solution

Select the set of equations that represents the following situation: Mary invested one amount at 1% simple interest, and a second amount at 6% interest, earning $17.68 in one year. If she had switched the amounts, she would have earned $14.04. What were the two amounts

Answer provided by our tutors

0.01(x) +0.06(y) = 17.68

0.01(y) + 0.06(x) = 14.04

 

we can solve this using the elimination method

0.01(x) +0.06(y) = 17.68

(0.01(y) + 0.06(x) = 14.04)(-6)

 

0.01(x) +0.06(y) = 17.68

(-0.06(y) - 0.36(x) = -84.24)

 

Add the two equations:

-0.35(x) = -66.56

the two amounts are:

x = 190.171

y = (-0.01(190.171) + 17.68)/0.06 =  262.971