Question 296040
Try not to use non mathematical symbols in math problems. # has to many meanings.
It just leads to confusion.
Your dilemma is quite common in word problems.
If c = # of cups, p = # of plates, and there are TWICE AS MANY cups as  plates,
do I write 2c=p or 2p=c? 

I will use the same format as you did.
If  n= number of nickels and d= number of dimes and there are twice as many nickels as dimes, do I write 2n=d or 2d=n? 

Now the way I would have written the problem.
If  n= nickels and d= dimes and there are twice as many nickels as dimes,
do I write 2n=d or 2d=n? 
2*5=10
so 
2*n=d
Does that help?
2c=p