Solving a word problem with two unknowns using a linear equation

Question

A washer and a dryer cost $893 combined. The washer costs $43 more than the dryer. What is the cost of the dryer?

Answer 1

x= cost of dryer

x+43 = cost of washer

x + x + 43=893

2x+43=893

subtract 43 from both sides

2x=850

divide by 2

x=-425

dryer = $425

washer = $463 = 425+43