Answer:
Let x = salary of the architect, in thousands
Let 2x - 25 = salary of a lawyer, in thousands
2x + 2x - 25 = 206 (combined salaries, in thousands)
4x - 24 = 206
4x = 206 - 25 = 181
x = 45.25, in thousands.
The architect earns $45,250 yearly
The lawyer earns $65,500 yearly
If you want to set up a system of equations with 2 variables.
Let x = the salary of the architect, in thousands.
Let y = the salary of the lawyer, in thousands.
x + y = 206
y = 2x - 25
Solving by substitution will yield the same equation as above: x = 45.25 or $45,250
Then y = 2(45,250) - 25,000 = $66,500
