Question

A garden table and a bench cost $688 combined. The garden table costs $62 less than the bench. What is the cost of the bench?

Answer 1

If the bench costs  x dollars we have the equation 
x + x - 62 = 688
2x = 750 
x = $375

The bench cost $375

Answer 2

The bench would cost $375. Take 688 and subtract 62, you should get 626. Divide that by two to solve for the cost of the garden table, which is $313. Add $62 to solve for the cost of the bench, $375.