Question 1090860
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<pre>
You can solve it <U>MENTALLY</U>, without using equations.


For it, take (mentally) 4 dimes from the collection, for a moment.

Then you will have equal number of dimes and nickels in the updated collection which worth is 85 - 4*10 = 45 cents.


You can combine dimes and nickels in sets, each containing one dime and one nickel.


The each set worth is 10+5 = 15 cents, and the number of sets is 3 = {{{45/15}}}.


So, the updated collection has 3 dimes and 3 nickels.


Hence, the original collection consists of 3+4 = 7 dimes and 3 nickels.
</pre>

Solved.



There is entire bunch of lessons on coin problems

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Coin-problems.lesson>Coin problems</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/More-Coin-problems.lesson>More Coin problems</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Solving-coin-problem-without-equations.lesson>Solving coin problems without using equations</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Kevin-and-Randy-Muise-have-a-jar.lesson>Kevin and Randy Muise have a jar containing coins</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Typical-coin-problems-from-the-archive.lesson>Typical coin problems from the archive</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/More-complicated-coin-problems.lesson>More complicated coin problems</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Solving-coin-problems-mentally-by-grouping-without-using-equations.lesson>Solving coin problems mentally by grouping without using equations</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/coins/Santa-Claus-helps-solving-coin-problem.lesson>Santa Claus helps solving coin problem</A>

in this site.


You will find there the lessons for all levels - from introductory to advanced,
and for all methods used - from one equation to two equations and even without equations. 


Read them and become an expert in solution of coin problems.


Also, &nbsp;you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson>ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK</A>.


The referred lessons are the part of this online textbook under the topic "<U>Coin problems</U>".