SOLUTION: A person has quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, with a total value of $3.86. The number of nickels is twice the number of quarters. The number of quarters is two less than the

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: A person has quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, with a total value of $3.86. The number of nickels is twice the number of quarters. The number of quarters is two less than the       Log On


   

Question 103049: A person has quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, with a total value of $3.86. The number of nickels is twice the number of quarters. The number of quarters is two less than the number of dimes. There are 40 coins altogether. Write and solve an equation to find the number of each coin.
Please show all work so i can learn how to solve this for the test tommorow.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
assign a variable for one of the coins and find the other coins in relation to it

let x=quarters, 2x=nickels, x+2=dimes, 40-(x+2x+(x+2))=pennies
...there are 40 coins, so the pennies are 40 minus everything else

multiply the coins by their value and add to find the total value
...working in cents to avoid the decimals may be easier

25(x)+5(2x)+10(x+2)+1(40-(4x+2))=386 ... 25x+10x+10x+20+40-4x-2=386

41x+58=386 ... 41x=328 ... x=8 ... 2x=16 ... x+2=10 ... 40-34=6