SOLUTION: Using 7 coins to purchase an ice cream for $.85, what combination of quarters,nickles & dimes would you need equalling $.85 Use each coin at least once. I know the answer is 2

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Question 104903: Using 7 coins to purchase an ice cream for $.85, what combination of quarters,nickles & dimes would you need equalling $.85 Use each coin at least once.
I know the answer is 2 quarters, 2 dimes & 3 nickles by breaking it down to
$.25 + $.10 + $.05= $.40, leaving 4 coins to equal $.45. What is the equation for a problems 3 unknowns? And how do I go about solving without just knowing?

Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The number of coins is 7.
The total value of the coins is $0.85.
You have quarters, nickels, and dimes.
You must use at least one of each coin.
Let'assign a name to each coin.
Q-quarters
N-nickels
D-dimes
The number of coins is 7.
1.Q%2BN%2BD=7
Now let's look at the value of each coin and the total.
2.0.25Q%2B0.05N%2B0.10D=0.85
I have to use each coin once.
Q%3E=1
N%3E=1
D%3E=1
We don't have enough information since we have two equations and three unknowns.
Let's see if we can go through logically and determine an answer.
Use equation 1.
1.Q%2BN%2BD=7
N=7-Q-D
Substitute into equation 2.
2.0.25Q%2B0.05N%2B0.10D=0.85
25Q%2B5N%2B10D=85 Multiply by 10 to simplify the decimals.
25Q%2B5%287-Q-D%29%2B10D=85 Substitute.
25Q%2B35-5Q-5D%2B10D=85
20Q%2B5D=50
Let's solve for D in terms of Q.
20Q%2B5D=50
5D=50-20Q
3.D=10-4Q
Let's use our inequality equations now.
N%3E=1
7-Q-D%3E=1
-Q-D%3E=-6
Q%2BD%3E=6
From 3,
Q%2BD%3C=6
Q%2B%2810-4Q%29%3C=6
10-3Q%3C=6
-3Q%3C=-4
Q%3E=4%2F3
You also know from above
D%3E=1
10-4Q%3E=1
-4Q%3E=-9
Q%3C=9%2F4
Now you know that
4%2F3%3C=Q%3C=9%2F4
Q must take on integer values since it's a coin, then you conclude,
Q=2
From 3,
3.D=10-4Q
D=10-4%282%29
D=2
And finally,
N=7-Q-D
N=7-2-2
N=3
2 Quarters, 2 Dimes, and 3 Nickels.
Check your answer.
2*25+2*10+3*5=85
50+20+15=85
85=85
Good answer.