Question

A jar containing only nickels and dimes contains a total of 60 coins. The value of all the coins in the jar is $4.45. Solve by elimination to find the number of nickels and dimes that are in the jar.

Answer 1

Answer: 31 nickels and 29 dimes

Step-by-step explanation:

Nickels (.05): x

Dimes (.10): y

 Value:     .05x + .10y = 4.45 →  -20(.05x + .10y = 4.45)   →   -x - 2y = -89

Quantity:        x  +    y  = 60   →       1(x  +    y  = 60)           →   x  + y = 60

                                                                                                       -y  = -29

                                                                                                        y  =  29

Next, substitute "29" for "y" into either equation and solve for "x":

x +  y  = 60

x + 29 = 60

x          = 31