SOLUTION: Mabel paid $2.95 for a granola bar with dimes and quarters. She used 5 fewer quarters than dimes. How many dimes and quarters did she use to pay for the granola bar?

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Question 1125964: Mabel paid $2.95 for a granola bar with dimes and quarters. She used 5 fewer quarters than dimes. How many dimes and quarters did she use to pay for the granola bar?
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, greenestamps:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
d dimes
d-5 quarters

10d%2B25%28d-5%29=295
10d%2B25d-125=295
35d=295%2B125
35d=420
5d=60
d=12

12 dimes and 7 quarters

Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


If an algebraic solution is not required, you can solve this problem easily with logical reasoning.

(1) Pay the portion of the cost represented by the 5 "extra" dimes. The remaining cost is $2.95-$0.50 = $2.45, made up of equal numbers of dimes and quarters.
(2) The value of 1 dime and 1 quarter is $0.35.
(3) The number of dimes and quarters now needed is $2.45/$0.35 = 7.

So 7 quarters and 7+5 = 12 dimes.