To solve the problem, you write this system of 2 equations in 2 unknown N + P = 30 (1) (counting coins) 5N + P = 98 (2) (counting money) Next you subtract equation (1) from equation (2) 4N = 98 - 30 = 68. Finally, you divide both sides of the last equation by 4 N = 68/4 = 17. ANSWER. 17 nickels and the rest (30-17) = 13 pennies. CHECK. 17*5 + 13 = 85 + 13 = 98. ! Correct !
What the other person told you is WRONG!! 17 pennies & 3 nickels do not make $0.98, and neither does 17 nickels and 3 pennies.
I don't know why these people keep misleading others by almost always giving WRONG answers!