SOLUTION: Kendra has $5.85 in nickels and quarters. If she has 15 more quarters than nickels, how many of each coin does she have? Please help me solve this problem. I'm lost with word pr

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Question 948752: Kendra has $5.85 in nickels and quarters. If she has 15 more quarters than nickels, how many of each coin does she have?
Please help me solve this problem. I'm lost with word problems!
Thanks.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39621) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Make variables and translate the description and question into symbols.

n, how many nickels;
q, how many quarters;

system of equations:
system%28q-n=15%2C0.05n%2B0.25q=5.85%29


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Multiply the left and right members of the money count equation by 1%2F0.05 to simplify that equation.
This means, %280.05n%2B0.25q%29%2F%280.05%29=5.85%2F%280.05%29.

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You should be able to simplify and adjust the system of equations to
system%28n%2B5q=117%2C-n%2Bq=15%29,
perfectly ready to start at use of Elimination Method.

Choose either substitution for solving the two equations, or if you know how, elimination for solving the two equations.

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RESULTS: q=22 and n=7.