SOLUTION: Here is an example of a word problem I can't figure out. I need to know how to translate it into an equation. Winthrop has $4.40 worth of nickels and dimes. If he has 3.5 times

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Question 232532: Here is an example of a word problem I can't figure out. I need to know how to translate it into an equation.
Winthrop has $4.40 worth of nickels and dimes. If he has 3.5 times as many nickels as he does dimes, how many dimes does he have?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let n = no. of nickels
Let d = no. of dimes
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
"Winthrop has $4.40 worth of nickels and dimes."
.05n + .10d = 4.40
:
" If he has 3.5 times as many nickels as he does dimes,"
n = 3.5d
:
how many dimes does he have?
:
If we substitute 3.5d for n in the 1st equation we only have one unknown
That would make it easy.
:
.05(3.5d) + .10d = 4.40
multiply whats inside the brackets
.175d + .10d = 4.40
.275d = 4.40
divide both sides by .275
d = 4.40%2F.275
d = 16 dimes
;
Remember the 2nd statement: "he has 3.5 times as many nickels as he does dimes"
n = 3.5(16)
n = 56 nickels
;
:
Check this
.05(56) + .10(16) =
2.80 + 1.60 = 4.40, confirms our solutions
;
;
Did this make sense to you?