Question 229957
Sam has 5 more dimes than quarters and four less nickels than quarters. 
d = q + 5
n = q -4
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If he has 34 coins, how many of each does he have? 
n + d + q = 34
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Substitute for d and n and solve for "q":
q-4 + q+5 + q = 34
3q +1 = 34
3q = 33
q  = 11 (# of quarters)
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d = q+5 = 16 (# of dimes)
n = q-4 = 7 (# of nickels)
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Cheers,
Stan H.