Answer:
The fewest number of dimes could be 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x be the number of nickels and y be the number of dimes,
Since, total coins = 25
⇒ x + y = 25
⇒ x = 25 - y -----(1)
Now, 1 nickel = 0.05 dollars and 1 dimes = 0.1 dollars,
So, the total cost = 0.05x + 0.1y
According to the question,
0.05x + 0.1y ≥ 1.44
From equation (1),
0.05(25-y) + 0.1y ≥ 1.44
1.25-0.05y + 0.1y ≥ 1.44
1.25 + 0.05y ≥ 1.44
0.05y ≥ 1.44 - 1.25
0.05y ≥ 0.19
y ≥ 3.8 ≈ 4
Hence, the fewest number of dimes that could be in the bank is 4.
