Question

There are 31 coins of dimes and quarters. If the number of dimes is 5 more than the number of quarters, how many quarters are there? How many are dimes? Hint: let x=dimes and y=quarters. Write your answer in an ordered pair ( , ).

Answer 1

13 Quarters and 18 Dimes

Explanation:

Let D and Q stand for the numbers of Dimes(D) and Quarters(Q). Give x and y a break, and make it easier to remember which is which.

D + Q = 31

D = Q + 5

Therefore:

D + Q = 31

(Q+5) + Q = 31

2Q + 5 = 31

2Q = 26

Q = 13

Then D = (13+5) or 18

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Check:

D + Q = 31 ?

18 + 13 = 31 YES

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D = Q + 5 ?

18 = 13 + 5 YES