Question 1174345
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n = number of nickels
q = number of quarters
these values are some positive whole number


He has 10% as many quarters as nickels, meaning that,
q = 10% of n
q = (10/100)*n
q = 0.10n
This is equivalent to 
10q = n
after multiplying both sides by 10
So n = 10q means that whatever number of quarters we have (q), we'll have ten times as many nickels (n).


For example, if we had 5 quarters, then 
q = 5
n = 10q
n = 10*5
n = 50
Having 5 quarters leads to 50 nickels.


Irving has $5.25 in quarters and nickels. This is equivalent to 5.25*100 = 525 cents
Of that total value, 5n is from the nickels and 25q is from the quarters. So we have 5n+25q total cents which is set equal to 525


5n+25q = 525
5(n)+25q = 525
5(10q)+25q = 525 ... replace n with 10q, since n = 10q
50q+25q = 525 
75q = 525 
q = 525/75 
q = 7
There are 7 quarters


If q = 7, then,
n = 10q 
n = 10*7 
n = 70
There are 70 nickels.


Let's check the answer
n = 70 nickels has a value of 5*n = 5*70 = 350 cents 
q = 7 quarters has a value of 25*q = 25*7 = 175 cents 
In total, we have 5n+25q = 350+175 = 525 cents = $5.25
This verifies the answer. Also note that 7 is 10% of 70 since 0.10*70 = 7.


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Answer: 70 nickels
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