SOLUTION: A man has a box of coins that he uses when playing poker with friends. The box currently contains 35 coins, consisting of pennies, dimes , and quarters. The number of pennies is eq

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Question 1165037: A man has a box of coins that he uses when playing poker with friends. The box currently contains 35 coins, consisting of pennies, dimes , and quarters. The number of pennies is equal to the number of dimes, and the total value is $2.90 . How many of each denomination of coins does he have?
Answer by greenestamps(13367) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


As is nearly always the case, solving the problem using formal algebra will be easier if you take the time to set up the problem using a single variable.

x = # of pennies
x = # of dimes (same as the number of pennies)
35-2x = # of quarters (the total number of coins, 35, minus the number of pennies and dimes)

Then use those expressions to write and solve the equation that says the total value of the coins is $2.90, or 290 cents.

25%2835-2x%29%2B10%28x%29%2B1%28x%29+=+290
875-50x%2B10x%2Bx+=+290
585+=+39x
x+=+15

ANSWER:
pennies: x = 15
dimes: x = 15
quarters: 35-30 = 5

CHECK:
25(5)+10(15)+1(15) = 125+150+15 = 290