Question

A washer and dryer cost $600 combined. The cost of the washer is three times the cost of the dryer

Answer 1

First, assign two variables to the prices of the two appliances.
'w' will represent the price of a washer, and 'd' will represent the price of a dryer.

Because "the washer is three times the cost of the dryer," we can form this equation:
w = 3d
On top of that, we know the washer and dryer add up to 600, making another equation.
w + d = 600

Because we know the value of 'w,' we can input that into the equation 'w + d = 600'
(3d) + d = 600
Simplify:
4d = 600
d = 150

Since the washer is three times the price of the dryer:
w = 3(150) = 450

The dryer costs $150, and the washer costs $450.
-T.B.