Final answer:
The correct equation is B) p + 5p + 10p = 1440, considering the total value in pennies and that Cindy has an equal number of dimes, nickels, and pennies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct equation for solving the problem of how many coins Cindy has when she has an equal number of dimes, nickels, and pennies, and their total value is $14.40 is: p + 5n + 10d = 1440 pennies, or in the format of the options presented, B) p + 5p + 10p = 1440, after converting dollars to pennies since $1 = 100 pennies. Here, instead of 'p' being the number of pennies, it represents the number of sets, with each set consisting of one penny, one nickel, and one dime since Cindy has an equal number of each type of coin. Step 1: Recognize that each 'p' actually represents one set of coins, with each set valued at 1 (penny) + 5 (nickel) + 10 (dime) = 16 cents. Step 2: Convert the total dollar amount to pennies, $14.40 equals 1440 pennies. Step 3: Write the equation where the total value in pennies (1440) equals the value of one set of coins (16) times the number of sets ('p'), which gives us: 16p = 1440.