Question

Ben has a collection of quarters and nickels worth $5.35. If the number of nickels is 5 less than twice the number of quarters, find the number of each coin.

Answer 1

(q = quarters, n = nickles)

First, create your system of equations:

   25q + 5n = 535 cents

   n = 2q - 5

Second, Substitute for n:

   25q + 5(2q - 5) = 535

Simplify:

   25q + 10q - 25 = 535

Simplify to solve for q:

   35q=560

   q=16

Next, solve for n by plugging the value of q back into the equation:

   n=2q - 5

   n=32-5

   n=27

There would be 16 quarters and 27 nickles.

Hoped this helped!