Question

A washer and a dryer cost $814 combined. the washer costs $36 less than the dryer. what is the cost of the dryer?

Answer 1

This is a systems of equation problem. 
First, set up the equation. 
814=w+d      w=d-36

Second, insert w= in for w in the equation.
814=d-36+d

Third, combine like terms.
814=2d-36

Fourth, solve the equation by adding 36 and dividing by 2 to both sides.
 814=2d-36
+36       +36
___________
850=2d
-----    ----
  2      2

__________
425=d

So the dryer (d) costs $425.