Start out by making an equation: n = number of nickels n-5 = number of quarters (because you have 5 fewer than nickels) Multiply the number of each coin by its value to add up to the total of $3.85: .05n +.25(n-5) = 3.85 Distribute and solve: .05n +....
since the word problem relates the number of nickels to both dimes and quarters, make X = number of nickels you have. From there, just read the problem to figure out the number of dimes and quarters.
n = nickels d = dimes .05n + .10d =2.35 n = d + 8 .05n + .10d = 2.35 n - d = 8 .05n + .10d = 2.35 .10n - .10d = 0.80 .15n = 3.15 n = 21 n= 21 => 21 - d = 8 => d = 13 Verification .05(21) + .10(13) = 2.35 1.05 + 1.30 = 2.35 2.35 = 2.35 21 - 13 = 8 8 =...