Question 1173399
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            Since the problem asks about  ONE  unknown and instructs 

            to use  ONE  equation,  I will solve the problem accordingly.



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Let x be the number of nickels.

Then the number of dimes is  (x-8).


The total money equation is


    5x + 10(x - 8) = 160   cents.


Simplify and solve


    5x + 10x - 80 = 160

      15x         = 160 + 80 = 240

        x                    = 240/15 = 16.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  16 nickels.


<U>CHECK</U>.  5*16 + 10*(16-8) = 80 + 80 = 160  cents, in total.   ! Correct !
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Solved.