Question

A washer and dryer costa total of $1160. The cost of the washer is three times the cost of the dryer. Find the cost of each item.

Answer 1

Well you would have to set up the equation first. 
X is going to equal the price of the dryer.
The equation that would be set up then is 3x + x = 1160.
Then you add the common numerals, in this case 4x = 1160.
Then you would divide, which gives you x = 290
The dryer costs $290.
Then you would multiply the dryer price by 3, because the washer is 3 times as much as the dryer.
And finally, you get: Dryer = $290
Washer = $870

Answer 2

W = 3d
d + 3d = 1160
4d = 1160
  d = 290

w = 290 x 3 = 870
answer
washer = $870
dryer = $ 290