Question

Nina has some nickels and 9 pennies in her pocket. Her friend, Maurice, has twice as many nickels as Nina. Together, these coins are worth 84¢. How many nickels does Nina have? Show all of your work and label your answers

Answer 1

x = 5

Explanation:

Let's say

x = #s of nickels Nina has (we are going to try to get X)

y = # of nickels Maurice has

5x + 9 < The amount Nina has

y = 2x < Amount that Maurice has

Add them both to the total, 84

5x + 9 + 5y = 84

Transfer the 9 to the other side

5x + 5y = 75

Substitute y with it's value

5x + 5(2x) = 75

5x + 10x = 75

15x = 75

Divide

x = 5