Question

Rex had a quarter and some nickels in his pocket, but he had less than $0.80. What is the greatest number of nickels he could have had? Use an inequality to represent and solve the problem. Show your work, please.

a) 0.05n+0.25<0.80
b) 0.05n+0.25>0.80
c) 0.05n+0.25=0.80
d)0.05n+0.25≤0.80

Answer 1

The greatest number of nickels Rex could have is 10 as 11 nickels would exceed $0.80.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we need to set up an inequality. Let's say that the number of nickels Rex has is represented by n. Each nickel is worth $0.05, so the total value of the nickels is $0.05n. In addition, Rex has a quarter which is worth $0.25. Therefore, the total value of the coins Rex has is $0.05n + $0.25.

We are given that Rex has less than $0.80, so we can set up the inequality: $0.05n + $0.25 < $0.80. To solve this inequality, we can subtract $0.25 from both sides to isolate n:

$0.05n < $0.55.

Finally, we can divide both sides of the inequality by $0.05 to solve for n: n < 11.

Therefore, the greatest number of nickels Rex could have is 10, as 11 nickels would exceed $0.80.