Question

Josie has $3.50 and a total of 34 coins. If she only has quarters (worth 25 cents each) and nickels (worth 5 cents each), how many nickels does Josie have?

Answer 1

Answer: Josie has 25 nickels and 9 quarters.

Explanation:

Let x = Number of Nickels , y =Number of Quarters.

Then x+y = 34

⇒ y=34-x (i)

$3.50 = 350 cents [ $1 = 100 cents ]

Then, 5x+25y= 350 (ii) [Since 1 nickel = 5 cents , 1 quarter = 25 cents]

Substitute value of y from (i)

5x+25 (34-x)=350

⇒ 5x + 850 - 25x =350

⇒ -20x= 350-850

⇒ -20x= -500

⇒ x = 25 [divide both sides by -20]

Put this in (i) , we get y= 34-25=9

Therefore, Josie has 25 nickels and 9 quarters.