Problema Solution

joe has a collection of nickels that is worth 5.30 if the number of dimes was tripled and the number of nickels was increased by 14 the value of the coins would be 8.40 How many nickels and dimes does he have

Answer provided by our tutors

Let x be the number of dimes and y be the number of nickels

You have the following relationships 


0.10x + 0.05y = 5.30


0.10(3x) + 0.05(y + 14) = 8.40


Eliminate the decimals: 10x + 5y = 530

10(3x) + 5(y + 14) = 840




10x + 5y = 530

30x + 5y + 70 = 840 --> 30x + 5y = 770


Subtract the equations to eliminate the y: 10x + 5y = 530

30x + 5y = 770


the new equation is -20x = -240 --> x = 12

Then 10(12) + 5y = 530 --> 120 + 5y = 530 --> 5y = 410 --> y = 82


He has 12 dimes and 82 nickels