Let's let n= the number of nickels in his pocket, and d=the number of dimes in his pocket. Nickels are worth .05 and dimes are worth .10. Now, we can write two equations using these variables and solve them as a system of equations: n+d=19 [the number of nickels and dimes equals 19] .05n+.10d=1.55 [the values of nickels and dimes times their quantities equals $1.55] 100(.05n+.10d=1.55) [multiply second equation by 100 to eliminate decimals] 5n+10d=155 5(n+d=19) [multiply first equation by 5 so the 'n' terms have the same coefficient] 5n+5d=95
Now subtract the equations to eliminate n and simplify to solve for d:
5n+10d=155 (-) 5n+5d=95 5d=60 d=12. There are 12 dimes
Now substitute into the simpler equation to find number of nickels: n+(12)=19 n=7. There are 7 nickels.