A washer and a dryer cost $787 combined. The washer costs $87 more than the dryer. What is the cost of the dryer?

Question

A washer and a dryer cost

$787

combined. The washer costs

$87

more than the dryer. What is the cost of the dryer?

Answer 1

Oh, be very careful about the "$87."

 

Let the dryer cost x.

Then, the washer costs (x+87)

 

Together, they cost  (x) + (x+87) = 787

         2x+87 = 787

            2x = 700           [subtract 97 from both sides]

             x = 350             [divide both sides by 2]

 

The dryer cost $350.

 

Check:   The washer cost $437.  Together, they cost $787  [good to check, right?]