.
Let N be the number of nickels.
Then the number of quarters is 2N, according to the condition,
and the number of dimes is the rest (88 - N - 2N) = 88-3N.
The "money" equation then is
5N + 10*(88-3N) + 25*(2N) = 1455 cents.
Simplify and solve for N
5N + 880 - 30N + 50N = 1455
25N = 1455 - 880
25N = 575 =============> N =
= 23.
ANSWER. 23 nickels, 2*23 = 46 quarters and 88-23-46 = 19 dimes.
CHECK. 23*5 + 46*25 + 19*10 = 1455 cents. ! Correct !
Solved.
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The lesson to learn from my post is THIS :
This problem is to be solved by reduction to one single equation in one unknown.