Question 99868
Let x=the number of nickels; Value of the nickels=0.05x
Then 5x=number of quarters;  Value of the quarters=0.25(5x) or 1.25x
And 4x-5=number of dimes;  Value of the dimes=0.10(4x-5) 

Now we are told that the value of these coins adds up to $33.50 so our equation to solve is:

0.05x+1.25x+0.10(4x-5)=$33.50  get rid of parens

0.05x+1.25x+0.4x-0.5=33.50  add 0.5 to both sides

0.05x+1.25x+0.4x-0.5+0.5=33.50+0.5  collect like terms

1.7x=34  divide both sides by 1.7

x=20----------------number of nickels
5x=5*20=100-----------------number of quarters

4x-5=4*20-5=75-----------number of dimes

CK
0.05*20+0.25*100+0.10*75=33.50
1+25+7.50=33.50
33.50=33.50

Hope this helps---ptaylor