Question

Alexa has $1.55 in nickels and dimes in her pocket. If she has four dimes less than nickels, how many dimes does she have? State what the variable in this problem. DO NOT SOLVE.

a) 11 dimes; Variable: d
b) 7 dimes; Variable: n
c) 4 dimes; Variable: d
d) 11 dimes; Variable: n

Answer 1

The number of nickels can be found using algebraic equations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's solve the problem step-by-step:

Let's say the number of nickels is 'n'.

According to the problem, Alexa has four dimes less than nickels. So, the number of dimes can be represented as 'n - 4'.

Now, let's convert the amount of money into cents. One nickel is equal to 5 cents, and one dime is equal to 10 cents.

The value of the nickels can be calculated as 5n cents, and the value of the dimes can be calculated as 10(n - 4) cents.

Given that Alexa has $1.55, we can set up an equation:

5n + 10(n - 4) = 155 cents

Simplifying the equation:

5n + 10n - 40 = 155

Combining like terms:

15n - 40 = 155

Adding 40 to both sides:

15n = 195

Dividing both sides by 15:

n = 13

So, the number of nickels is 13.