Question

A collection of quarters and dimes is worth $18.30. There are 111 coins in all.

Answer 1

We can set up a system of equations.

x + y = 111
0.25x + 0.10y = 18.30

x + y = 111

Subtract 'y' to both sides:

x = -y + 111

Plug in '-y + 111' for 'x' in the 2nd equation:

0.25(-y + 111) + 0.10y = 18.30

Distribute 0.25 into the parenthesis:

-0.25y + 27.75 + 0.10y = 18.30

Combine like terms:

-0.15y + 27.75 = 18.30

Subtract 27.75 to both sides:

-0.15y = -9.45

Divide -0.15 to both sides:

y = 63

Plug this back into any of the two equations to find the 'x' value.

x + y = 111

x + 63 = 111

Subtract 63 to both sides:

x = 48

So there are 48 quarters and 63 dimes.