Question 984189
<pre>
Let the number of nickels be x
Then the number of quarters, using
ONE PART = TOTAL MINUS OTHER PART,
is 29-x.
                      Value      Value
Type       Number       of         of
 of          of        EACH       ALL
coin        coins      coin      coins
-------------------------------------------
nickels      x        $0.05    $0.05x
quarters   29-x       $0.25    $0.25(29-x)
-------------------------------------------
TOTALS      29      -----      $4.45

 The equation comes from the column on the right

  {{{(matrix(4,1,Value,of,ALL,nickels))}}}{{{""+""}}}{{{(matrix(4,1,Value,of,ALL,quarters))}}}{{{"=""}}}{{{(matrix(5,1,Total,value,of,ALL,coins))}}}

0.05x + 0.25(29-x) = 4.45

Get rid of decimals by multiplying every term by 100:

     5x + 25(29-x) = 445

    5x + 725 - 25x = 445

        -20x + 725 = 445

              -20x = -280

                 x = 14 = the number of nickels.

The number of quarters is 29-x or 29-14 or 15 quarters.

Checking:  14 nickels is $0.70 and 15 quarters is $3.75
            That's 29 coins.
            And indeed $0.70 + $3.75 = $4.45
Edwin</pre>