Question

A washer and a dryer cost $911 combined. The washer costs $39 less than the dryer. What is the cost of the dryer?

Answer 1

Sum and difference problem, where difference = larger number - smaller number.

The larger number is (sum+difference)/2.
The smaller number is (sum - difference)/2

Therefore the dryer costs (911+39)/2=475
The washer costs (911-39)/2=436

Answer 2

$475 is the dryer, and the washer is $436