Question

Collection of nickels and quarters is worth $2.85. There are three more nickels and quarters. How many nickels and quarters are there?

Answer 1

The pile contains 12 nickels and 9 quarters.

Let x = the number of nickels and y = the number of quarters.

Then, we have two equations:

(1) $0.05x + $0.25y  = $2.85

(2) x = y +3

Substitute the value of x from Equation (2) into Equation (1).

0.05(y+3) + 0.25y = 2.85

0.05y + 0.15 + 0.25y = 2.85

0.30y = 2.85 – 0.15 = 2.70

y = 2.70/0.30 = 9

Substitute the value of y in Equation (2).

x = 9 + 3 = 12

The pile contains 12 nickels and 9 quarters.

Check: 12×$0.05 + 9×$0.25 = $0.60 + $2.25 = $2.85.