A washer and dryer cost a total of $1064. The cost of the washer is three times the dryer.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definitions

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

Let T denote the total cost of the washer and dryer

Step 2: Convert the first set of definitions into a symbolic form

We can rewrite these statements as follows:

T=1064

w+d=T

By basic substitution, we find that

w + d=1064

Step 3: Identify what conditions are given. There will always be some extra information given in problems like these so a system of equations can be created.

In this case, the washer cost is equivalent to 3 times the dryer cost

Step 4: Write the second set of conditions symbolically

w = 3*d

Step 5: Write your two equations and determine what you need to solve for

(1)....w+d=1064

(2)....w=3d

If solving for the price of the washer, start by solving for d equation (2) by dividing both sides by 3

w/3 = 3d/3

which simplifies to d = w/3

Then substitute this into equation (1)

We find that w + w/3 = 1064

We conclude by solving for w(Combine like terms then isolate w)

4w/3=1064

Multiply both sides by 3 and divide both sides by 4

w = (1064*3)/4

If solving for the price of the dryer, simply substitute equation (2) as given into equation (1)

As a reminder, these are the 2 equations we identified earlier:

(1)....w+d=1064

(2)....w=3d

Since w is already isolated, we directly substitute to begin solving

3d+d=1064

Combine like terms

4d=1064

Divide both sides by 4

d=1064/4

You can solve for the final answer by using a calculator but I recommend to try doing it mentally first!

Also, note that all of these steps are not necessary when solving every problem. They are just shown to help you get a grasp of the material. As time goes by you should be able to identify and execute all of these steps without actually having to write them out