Question

Sofia has $4.35 in quarters and nickels in her pocket. She has 3 more nickels than quarters. Write an equation that can be used to determine the number of quarters, x , Sofia has.

Answer 1

.25q + .05(q - 3) = 4.35

Explanation:

Let q = the number of quarters

Let n = the number of nickels

.25q + .05n = 4.35

n = q- 3

Substitute q - 3 for n

.25q + .05(q - 3) = 4.35

Answer 2

Let's say x is the number of quarters. Then the number of nickels is x + 3.

The total value of the quarters is 0.25x, and the total value of the nickels is 0.05(x + 3).

The total value of both types of coins is 4.35:

0.25x + 0.05(x + 3) = 4.35

0.25x + 0.05x + 0.15 = 4.35

0.3x + 0.15 = 4.35

0.3x = 4.2

x = 14

So Sofia has 14 quarters and 17 nickels.