Question 668137
Let x represent the number of dimes, and 32-x represent the number of nickels. Remember the values of each coin.

{{{0.1(x)+0.05(32-x)=2.5}}} Multiply all terms by 100 to get rid of decimals.
{{{10x+160-5x=250}}}
{{{5x=90}}}
{{{x=18}}}

Now substitute this "x" back into your expressions for number of dimes/nickels.

Dimes = x
=18

Nickels = 32-x
=32-18
=14

Therefore, there are 18 dimes and 14 nickels.