Question

A dresser and nightstand costs $900. If the dresser costs $150 more than the nightstand, what does each piece cost separately?

Answer 1

We will solve this problem using a system of linear equations.

`\text{Let D=dresser's cost and N=nightstand's cost}`

We are given the following relationship between the variables

`\begin{gathered} D+N=900,\text{ (1)} \\ D=N+150,\text{ (2)} \end{gathered}`

Replacing the value of D from equation (2) in equation (1)

`N+150+N=900`

Solving for N

`\begin{gathered} 2N+150=900 \\ 2N=900-150 \\ 2N=750 \\ N=(750)/(2)=375 \end{gathered}`

Replacing the value of N in equation (2)

`\begin{gathered} D=375+150 \\ D=525 \end{gathered}`

The answer is the nightstand costs $375 and the Dresser costs $525