# Write an algebraic equation for the following problem and then solve it. Whe

Write an algebraic equation for the following problem and then solve it.
When Angela and Walker first started working for the supermarket, their weekly salaries totaled $500. Now during the last 25 years Walker has seen his weekly salary triple. Angela has seen her weekly salary become four times larger. Together their weekly salaries now total$1740. How much did they each make 25 years ago?
The algebraic equation is ___$$\displaystyle={1740}$$.

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Step 1
Let the Angela and Walker weekly salaries 25 years ago in dollars be x and y.
Since, 25 years ago their total weekly salaries is $500. $$\displaystyle\therefore{x}+{y}={500}$$ Step 2 Now, Angela and walker salaries are four and three times than earlier respectively. Since, their total weekly salaries is$1740.
$$\displaystyle\therefore{4}{x}+{3}{y}={1740}$$
Step 3
Now, solving the equation
From (i), we have
$$\displaystyle{x}+{y}={500}$$
$$\displaystyle{x}={500}-{y}$$ (ii)
Step 4
Putting eq.(iii) in eq.(ii), we get
$$\displaystyle{4}{\left({500}-{y}\right)}+{3}{y}={1740}$$
$$\displaystyle{2000}-{4}{y}+{3}{y}={1740}$$
$$\displaystyle-{y}={1740}-{2000}$$
$$\displaystyle-{y}=-{260}$$
$$\displaystyle{y}={260}$$
$$\displaystyle\therefore{x}={500}-{260}={240}$$
Step 5
Therefore, Angela and Walker weekly salaries 25 years ago in dollars is 240 and 260 respectively.
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