Translate into an equation and solve

Question

A has 10% as many quarters as nickels. If A has $5.25 in quarters and nickels, how many nickels does A have?

Answer 1

10% as many can be interpreted as 1/10 as many, since 10% = .10 = 1/10

 

If I have x nickels, then I have .10x quarters

 

The value of the coins I have can be expressed as:

 

.05x + .25(.10x) = 5.25

 

5x + 25(.10x) = 525

 

5x + 2.5x = 525

 

7.5x = 525

 

x = 70, so I have 70 nickels and .10(70) = 7 quarters