I need help with this world problem

Question

A washer and dryer cost $905 combined.  The washer cost $55 more than the dryer.  What is the cost of the dryer?

 

Answer 1

Well let's see.  First, you know that one is the same price as the other EXCEPT for an additional $55 for the washer.  So let's say they are both X amount of dollars but the washer is 55 more, or X+55.  Right?  So you have X which is the dryer and X+55 which is the washer.

 

The second thing you know is that both items together add up to $905.   So the dryer, X, and the washer, X+55, both are $905 total.  In other words, X+X+55 = 905.  With two X's we can write this as 2X+55 = 905.

 

Now you just need to balance the equation.   

 

1) Start by subtracting 55 from 905.  Now we have 2X=850.

 

2) Next divide 850 by 2, so we're just left with X on the left of the equation.  Now we have X=425, which is the price of the dryer!