first kind of coin (in quotes)? nickel value of first kind of coin? .05 second kind of coin in quotes)? quarter value of second kind of coin? .25 number of coins? 15 total value of coins? 2.55 Let the number of nickels be x Then the number of quarters, using ONE PART = TOTAL MINUS OTHER PART, is 15-x. Value Value Type Number of of of of EACH ALL coin coins coin coins ------------------------------------------- nickels x $0.05 $0.05x quarters 15-x $0.25 $0.25(15-x) ------------------------------------------- TOTALS 15 ----- $2.55 The equation comes from the column on the right0.05x + 0.25(15-x) = 2.55 Get rid of decimals by multiplying every term by 100: 5x + 25(15-x) = 255 5x + 375 - 25x = 255 -20x + 375 = 255 -20x = -120 x = 6 = the number of nickels. The number of quarters is 15-x or 15-6 or 9 quarters. Checking: 6 nickels is $0.30 and 9 quarters is $2.25 And indeed $0.30 + $2.25 = $2.55 Edwin