Final answer:
To solve for the number of quarters and dimes Gareth has, we can set up a system of equations. Using the elimination method, we find that Gareth has 4 quarters and 11 dimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we can use a system of equations. Let Q represent the number of quarters, and let D represent the number of dimes. We can set up two equations:
- Q + D = 15 (equation 1)
- 25Q + 10D = 210 (equation 2)
We can solve this system of equations by substitution or elimination method:
Using the elimination method, we can multiply equation 1 by 10 to match the coefficient of D in equation 2:
10(Q + D) = 10(15)
10Q + 10D = 150
Now we can subtract this equation from equation 2:
(25Q + 10D) - (10Q + 10D) = 210 - 150
15Q = 60
Dividing both sides by 15:
Q = 4
Substituting this value of Q back into equation 1 to find D:
4 + D = 15
D = 11
Therefore, Gareth has 4 quarters and 11 dimes.