Answer:
11 nickels and 16 dimes
Step-by-step explanation:
Let n and d represent the numbers of nickels and dimes respectively.
As there are 27 coins, n + d = 27, which can be solved for d: d = 27 - n.
The total values of the coins are represented by:
$0.05n + $0.10d = $2.15.
Substituting 27 - n for d, we get:
0.05n + 0.10(27 - n) = 2.15 (which is entirely in the variable n).
Performing the indicated multiplication, we get:
0.05n + 2.7 - .10n = 2.15
Next, we consolidate the n terms on the right side and the constants on the left:
0.55 = 0.05n, or
n = 0.55/0.05 = 11
Thus, there are 11 nickels and 27 - 11, or 16, dimes.
