Question 1176182
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You could solve this using 4 variables, one for the number of each type of coin.  But I think it is far easier if you take the time to understand the given information to set up the problem using a single variable.  Then you will have a single equation to solve, rather than a system of 4 equations with 4 variables.<br>
The way I read the given information, it will be easiest to use the number of nickels as our variable.  So<br>
x = number of nickels
2x-1 = number of quarters  (1 less than twice the number of nickels)
x+4 = number of pennies  (4 more than the number of nickels)
2(x+4) = 2x+8 = number of dimes  (twice the number of pennies)<br>
Use those expressions and the value of each kind of coin to write and solve an equation that says the total value of the coins is $2.87, or 287 cents:<br>
5(x)+25(2x-1)+1(x+4)+10(2x+8) = 287<br>
5x + 50x-25 + x+4 + 20x+80 = 287<br>
76x+59 = 287
76x = 228
x = 3<br>
ANSWERS: The number of each type of coin is
nickels: x = 3
quarters: 2x-1 = 5
pennies: x+4 = 7
dimes: 2x+8 = 14<br>
CHECK: 3(5)+5(25)+7(1)+14(10) = 15+125+7+140 = 287<br>