Question

Which equation can be used to solve the following word problem? Seth has 8 more nickels than dimes, and the total value of his coins is $2.35. How many nickels does he have? Let n represent the number of nickels.

Answer 1

Seth has 21 nickels

Explanation:

Let n represent the number of nickels. Since Seth has 8 more nickels than dimes, then (n-8) is the number dimes.

Nickel is worth 5 cents and dime is worth 10 cents. Thus, n nickels are worth 5n cents and (n-8) dimes are worth 10(n-8) cents. The total value of Seth's coins is $2.35 that is 235 cents, then

`5n+10(n-8)=235.`

Solve this equation:

`5n+10n-80=235,\\ \\15n=235+80,\\ \\15n=315,\\ \\n=21.`