How many coins did each have originally?

Question

Natalie has some nickels, Dirk has some dimes, and Quincy has some quarters. Dirk has five more dimes than Quincy has quarters. If Natalie gives Dirk a nickel, Dirk gives Quincy a dime, and Quincy gives Natalie a quarter, they will all have the same amount of money. How many coins did each have originally? 

 

(Preferably done with only one variable)

Answer 1

d= q+5 Dirk has 5 more dimes than Quincy has quarters

Natalie gives Dirk a nickel

Dirk gives Quincy a dime

Quincy gives Natalie a quarter

Dirk had 4+5 = 9 dimes originally

Quincy had 4 quarters originally

now they have ..9 -.05 = 85 cents = 1-.15 = 85 cents

Nicole now has .05n +.20 = .85 where n=.65/.05 = 13 nickels originally