Let x be the amount of nickels and y be the amount of quarters in a jar. Totally there are 87 coins, then x+y=87.
Since nickel is 5 cent coin and quarter is 25 cent coin, then 5x+25y=1255 ($12.55=1255 cents). Solve this system:x=87-y and 5(87-y)+25y=1255. 435-5y+25y=1255, 25y-5y=1255-435,
20y=820, y=820÷20, y=41, x=87-41=46. Answer: 46 nickels and 41 quarters.