Final answer:
None of the provided options (a, b, c, d) correctly total to $0.85. The correct combination for the fewest coins equaling $0.85 would be 3 quarters and 1 dime. None of the options are right.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which group of coins is equal to $0.85 with the fewest number of coins, let's evaluate each option provided: (a) 2 quarters (50 cents) + 3 dimes (30 cents) = 80 cents. This option is incorrect as it doesn't total $0.85. (b) 8 nickels (40 cents) + 3 pennies (3 cents) = 43 cents.
This option is also incorrect as it is less than $0.85. (c) 3 quarters (75 cents) + 1 nickel (5 cents) = 80 cents. This option is incorrect as it doesn't total $0.85. (d) 1 half-dollar (50 cents) + 3 quarters (75 cents) = $1.25. This option is incorrect for two reasons:
it exceeds $0.85, and it contains more than the needed amount of coins. None of the options provided correctly amount to $0.85. However, the correct combination of coins that equals $0.85 using the fewest number of coins would be 3 quarters (75 cents) and 1 dime (10 cents).