The best way to even begin solving this problem, is to organize: N-Nickels P-Pennies D-Dimes N=0.05 P=0.01 D=0.10 Total= $5.06 We begin to write the equation as : 0.01p+0.05(5p)+0.10(2p)=$5.06 p represents pennies so the 5p represents the fact that nickels equals 5 times the amount of pennies and the 2p represents the fact that dimes equals 2 times the amount of pennies. Multiply to get rid of the parenthesis. 0.01p+0.25p+0.20p=$5.06 Add up all the numbers on the left side of the equal sign: 0.46p=$5.06 Divide both side by 0.46 to isolate p. p=11. Therefore there are 11 pennies. Nickels is 5 times the amount of pennies so: 5*11=55 nickels. Dimes is 2 times the amount of pennies so: 2*11=22 dimes. 55 nickels is equal to $2.75 22 dimes is equal to $2.20 11 pennies is equal to $0.11 Add them all up and you get $5.06.
