Question 1178433
<br>
Using formal algebra....<br>
let x = # of quarters
then x+5 = # of half dollars<br>
The total value is $32.50, or 3250 cents:<br>
{{{25x + 50(x+5) = 32.50}}}<br>
Solve using basic algebra; I leave that much to you.<br>
An informal solution using logical reasoning and easy mental arithmetic can get you to the solution faster then the formal algebra, and using very nearly the same steps.<br>
(1) Count the "extra" five half dollars first.  That's $2.50, or 250 cents; and it leaves equal numbers of quarters and half dollars with a total value of $30, or 3000 cents.
(2) Consider groups of one quarter and one half dollar; the value of each group is 75 cents.
(3) To make the remaining 3000 cents, the number of those groups needs to be 3000/75 = 40.
(4) So there are 40 quarters and 40+5=45 half dollars.<br>
Of course the answer you got using formal algebra should be the same.<br>