Lauren has:
• x quarters
,
• x + 3 nickels (3 more nickels than quarters)
The value of the nickels and quarters is 165 cents
165 cents = $ 1.65
Let's solve for x, this way:
0.25x + 0.05(x + 3) = 1.65
0.25x + 0.05x + 0.15 = 1.65
Like terms:
0.25x + 0.05x = 1.65 - 0.15
0.3x = 1.5
Dividing by 0.3
0.3x/0.3 = 1.5/0.3
x = 5
Now we can calculate the number of quarters and nickels Lauren has:
Quarters = 5
Nickels = 8
Interpretation
Lauren has 5 quarters and 8 nickels for a combined value of 165 cents or $ 1.65