Question

I really need help with this!!!! 50 points!

How would you write a system of equations to help you solve the following:
- Mary has 22 coins that are either dimes or nickels. The total for the coins is $1.85

Answer 1

x+y=22

.1x+.05y = 1.85

Explanation:

Let's let x represent dimes and y represent nickels.

She has 22 total coins, so x+y=22.

Each dime costs .1 dollars, and each nickel costs .05 dollars. The total cost is $1.85, so .1x+.05y = 1.85. (If you wanted to solve for cents instead, you can just as easily make is 10x+5y = 185, but that doesn't really matter in the long run!)

Answer 2

Explanation:

10x+5y=1.85

10x because dimes are 10 cents and with a x for mystery amount of coins

5y because nickels are 5 cents and with a y for mystery amount of coins