Help with this word problem.

Question

Kevin and Randy Muise have a jar containing 64 coins, all of which are either quarter or nickels.  The total value of the coins in the jar is $10.40. How many of each type of coin do they have?

Answer 1

This is a system of equations problem.  

All you have to do is create two equations using the information you have been given.

 

 

1)We know the value of a quarter is $0.25 and that the value of a nickel is $0.05.

2)The value of all of the coins comes out to $10.40

3)The total amount of coins is 64 coins.

 

 

• The first equation we create using the values:

 

$0.25x+$0.05y = $10.40

 

x being the number of quarters

y being the number of nickels

 

 

 

 

• The second equation we create using the number of coins in the jar:

 

x+y=64

 

x being the number of quarters

y being the number of nickels

 

 

 

We then use these two equations and solve using any systems of equations techniques you've learned such as substitution method, elimination/combination method,etc:

 

 

$0.25x+$0.05y = $10.40

x+y=64

 

 

Good luck! :)