Let the number of dimes be x Then the number of nickels, using ONE PART = TOTAL MINUS OTHER PART, is 14-x. Value Value Type Number of of of of EACH ALL coin coins coin coins ------------------------------------------- dimes x $0.10 $0.10x nickels 14-x $0.05 $0.05(14-x) ------------------------------------------- TOTALS 14 ----- $1.00 The equation comes from the column on the right0.10x + 0.05(14-x) = 10 Get rid of decimals by multiplying every term by 100: 10x + 5(14-x) = 100 10x + 70 - 5x = 100 5x + 70 = 100 5x = 30 x = 6 = the number of dimes. The number of nickels is 14-x or 14-6 or 8 nickels. Checking: 6 dimes is $0.60 and 8 nickels is $0.40 And indeed $0.60 + $0.40 = $1.00 Edwin