Lets begin with the first sentence. Â We will let S = Sarah's monthly earnings and A = Andrews.
S = A + 525 (since Sarah earns more than Andrew).
Then you are told they spend 1250 each month and save the rest. Â The total savings will then be the difference times the number of months.
Savings per month (Sarah ) = S - 1250
Savings (Sarah Total) = (S - 1250)* number of months.
Plug in the number of months and total savings to figure out how much Sarah makes each month.
8250 = (S - 1250)*11
750 = S - 1250
S = 750 + 1250
S = 2000
From Sarah's earnings each month we can find Andrews (using the first equation).
2000 = A + 525
A = 2000 - 525
A = $1475
Finally you are asked for the yearly earnings:
12* $1475 = $17,700
Andrew earns $17,700 each year.