Question

In 2002, hourly wages for the top three CEOs of U.S corporations were calculated based on their working 14 hours per day for 365 days. Together the three CEOs made $44,000 per hour. The top CEO earned $2,000 more per hour than the combined hourly wages of the next two top CEOs, and the top CEO earned $7,000 more per hour than the next top CEO. (Source: USA today)

(A) let x, y, and z be the hourly wages in thousands of dollars for the top CEOs from greatest to least. Write a system of equations whose solution gives these hourly wages.

(B) solve the system. Interpret the answer.

Answer 1

so we have 3 CEO's hourly wages
Mr x, Mr y and Mr z
their wages combined are $44,000
so \(\bf \color{blue}{x + y + z = 4000}\)

we also know that the top CEO, Mr x, makes whatever the other 2 guys make PLUS $2,000
so, how much do the other guys make? Mr y and Mr z, well, they make (y + z)
thus Mr x makes \(\bf \color{blue}{(y+z)+2000 = x}\)

we also know that the top CEO Mr x, makes more than Mr y the next below in the ladder, so how much? well Mr x makes whatever Mr y makes PLUS $7,000
so \(\bf \color{blue}{y + 7000 = x}\)

Answer 2

So what steps do I have to do first to solve this?