Question 1129402
Let x be the number of nickels Mike thought he had.  <br>

We know the actual number is x+5, and, writing an equation for the value of those nickels:<br>

5*(x+5) = 435   (in cents)
5x + 25 = 435   (distributed teh 5 into the paren's)
5x = 410            (subtracted 25 from each side)
x = 410/5           (divided each side by 5)
x = 82                (simplified)

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Answer:  Mike originally thought he had {{{ highlight( 82 ) }}} nickels
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