Confused....

Question

If Evan has 10 dimes and nickels in his pocket, and they have a combined value of 80 cents, how many of each coin does he have?

 

 

____ Nickels

 

____ Dimes

Answer 1

n represents number of nickels

10 - n represents number of dimes

 

5n + 10(10 - n) = 80

 

Can you solve for n?

How many dimes does Evan have?

Answer 2

x=# of dimes

10x+5(10-x)=80

10x+50-5x=80

5x+50=80

5x=30

x=6 dimes and 4 nickels (60 cents + 20 cents equals 80 cents)

 

without using algebra...

10, 9, and 8 dimes is too much

7 dimes and 3 nickels is 85 cents

6 dimes and 4 nickels is 80 cents