A washer and dryer cost a total of $939. The cost of the washer is two times the cost of the dryer. Find the cost of each item.

Question

I need help finding the answer. I hate word problems.

Answer 1

Let us begin by assigning a variable to the cost of dryer.

 

Cost of dryer = x

Cost of washer = 2x                                        (two times the cost of dryer)

Cost of dryer and washer = x + 2x =3x

 

The problem says the total cost is 939.

 

This can be written as

3x = 939

 

Dividing both sides by 3 gives

x = 313

 

This would mean

2x = 2(313) = 626

 

Answer: Cost of dryer = $313, Cost of washer = $626