A jar contains nickels and dimes. There are 20 coins in the jar and the total value of the coins is $1.40. How many nickels and dimes are in the jar?

Question

Algebra 1

Answer 1

Hi James, 

Step One: Create Let Statements 

Let x= the number of nickels

Let 20-x= the number of dimes

Step Two: Create an equation

1.40=.05x+.10(20-x) Distribute 

1.4=.05x+2-.10x Combine like terms

1.4-2=-0.05x Combine like terms

-0.06=-0.05x Divide both sides by -0.05

12=x

∴There are 12 nickels and 8 dimes.

Best, 

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