Question

A washer and a dryer cost $587 combined. The washer costs $63 less than the dryer. What is the cost of the dryer?

Answer 1

The dryer costs $325.

Explanation:

Let w represent the cost of the washer and d represent the cost of the dryer.

They cost $587 combined. In other words:

`w+d=587`

The washer costs $63 less than the dryer. Therefore:

`w=d-63`

Thus, we have the system of equations:

`\displaystyle \begin{cases} w+d = 587 \\ w=d-63\end{cases}`

We can solve it using substitution. Substitute the second equation into the first. Hence:

`(d-63)+d=587`

Combine like terms:

`2d-63=587`

Add 63 to both sides:

`2d=650`

And divide both sides by two. Hence:

`d=325`

The dryer costs $325.

Further Notes:

And since the washer is $63 less, the washer costs:

`w=(325)-63=262`

The washer costs $262.