document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=1120729>Question 1120729</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Isabela has $2.55 in quarters,nickels and dimes. She has twice as many nickels as dimes and one less quarter than nickels. How many of each coin does she have? </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #736422 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><B>greenestamps(13209)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=greenestamps><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=greenestamps><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=736422\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> <br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Presumably this is a problem from an algebra class, where you are supposed to provide a solution using formal algebra.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "But don't underestimate the value of the brain exercise you get by working the problem informally using logical reasoning.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(1) Add one more quarter, so that now the numbers of nickels and quarters are the same; that makes the new total value $2.80.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(2) Now the numbers of quarters and nickels are both twice the number of dimes.  So separate the coins into groups of 2 quarters, 2 nickels and 1 dime.  The value of each group is then 50+10+10 = 70 cents.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(3) The new total value of the coins is $2.80; the value of each group of coins is 70 cents.  That means the number of groups of coins is 280/70 = 4.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(4) So the total number of coins in the 4 groups is 8 quarters, 8 nickels, and 4 dimes.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "(5) And last take away that \"extra\" quarter you added at the beginning.  You have the final answer of the $2.55 being made up of 7 quarters, 4 dimes, and 8 nickels.  </SPAN>\n" );
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