Question 856003
"Let x be the number of dimes and y be the number of nickels"
translates as
{{{x}}}= number of dimes
{{{y}}}= number of nickels
 
"Melissa has a collection of dimes and nickels with a total face value of less than a dollar"
translates as
{{{10x+5y<100}}}
 
How many of each type of coin does she have?
There is no way to know.
We do not have enough information.
She could have one of each coin. That is 15 cents, which is less than a dollar.
She could have 9 dimes and one nickel. That is 95 cents, which is also less than a dollar.
She could have 4 dimes and 10 nickels. That is 90 cents, which is also less than a dollar.
The possibilities are many.