Question 1138969
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If you don't need a formal algebraic solution to a problem like this, here is a quick way to get the answer with logical reasoning and some mental arithmetic.<br>
(1) If all 53 coins were nickels; the total value would be 53*$0.05 = $2.65.  That's $3.40 short of the actual total of $6.05.<br>
(2) The difference between the value of each quarter and each nickel is 20 cents.<br>
(3) So to make up those additional $3.40 (340 cents), the number of quarters must be 340/20 = 17.<br>
ANSWER: 17 quarters and (53-17) = 36 nickels