Joshua has one more nickel than he has dimes. The total value is $1.85. How many coins of each does he have.

Question

System of equations 

Answer 1

let x = number of dimes, then x + 1 = number of nickels

 

1 dime = 10 cents, and 1 nickel = 5 cents

 

then 10x + 5(x + 1) = 185 cents

 

10x + 5x + 5 = 185c

15x = 180c, so x = 12 dimes (= 120 cents), and x + 1 = 13 nickels (= 65 cents)

 

120 cents + 65 cents = 185 cents = $1.85 dollars