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The total weekly wages for 12 artisans and 4 apprentices are sh 5,600. If the number of artisans is increased to 15 and that of the apprentices to 9, the total weekly wages are sh. 7,800. Calculate the weekly wage for an artisan.

Class: Form 1

Subject: Mathematics

Topic: Linear Equations

Lesson Summary

The total weekly wages for 12 artisans and 4 apprentices are sh 5,600. If the number of artisans is increased to 15 and that of the apprentices to 9, the total weekly wages are sh. 7,800. Calculate the weekly wage for an artisan.



Text Answer


Let the wage of an artisan be x and that of an apprentice be y.

12𝑥+4𝑦=5 600…..(1)
15𝑥+9𝑦=7 800……(2)

We eliminate y
9(12𝑥+4𝑦=5 600 )
4(15𝑥+9𝑦=7 800)

108x + 36y = 50,400
- 60x + 36y = 31,200
48x 19200

48x48=1920048

=X = 400

Substitute x = 400 in eqn 1
12(400) + 4y = 5600
4800 + 4y = 5600

4y4=8004

y=200

An artisan’s wage is sh 400.

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