SOLUTION: A purse contains a collection of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. The average value of the coins in the purse is 17 cents. If a penny is removed from the purse, the average v

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: A purse contains a collection of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. The average value of the coins in the purse is 17 cents. If a penny is removed from the purse, the average v      Log On

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Question 285147: A purse contains a collection of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. The average value of the coins in the purse is 17 cents. If a penny is removed from the purse, the average value of the coins becomes 18 cents. How many nickels are in the purse?
(A) 2 (B) 5 (C) 0 (D) 1 (E) 8
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
25q + 10d + 5n + p = 17c

25q + 10d + 5n + p - 1 = 18(c - 1)

17c - 1 = 18c - 18 ___ 17 = c

q + d + n + p = 17

25q + 10d + 5n + p = 289

q ≤ 11 ___ p ≥ 4 ___ this would be 15 coins and 279 cents

two nickels makes 17 coins and 289 cents


this means NO dimes, which contradicts the opening sentence...