Angelo had $1.90 in dimes and nickels. If he had 4 fewer nickels than 5 times the number of dimes, now many dimes does he have?

Question

I would appreciate it if someone can solve this and try to show me a simple way to do this and thank you :) 

Answer 1

Let N = number of nickels

Let D = number of dimes

 

4 fewer nickels than 5 times the number of dimes  ==>  N = 5*D - 4 

 

$1.90 total  ==>  5*N + 10*D = 190 

 

Substitute the value for N into the 2nd equation

 

5*(5*D - 4) + 10*D = 190

25*D - 20 + 10*D = 190 

35*D = 210

D = 6

 

He has 6 dimes

 

Check:  N = 5*6 - 4 = 26 

            26*5 + 6*10 = 130 + 60 = 190 cents = $1.90