Question

Walt and Hank collect quarters from different states. Walt collected q quarters. Hank collected four fewer quarters than Walt. The combined dollar value of their coins was $17.50. The following equation represents the situation.

0.25q + 0.25(q - 4) = 17.50

How many quarters does Walt have?

A.
33 quarters
B.
35 quarters
C.
37 quarters
D.
43 quarters

Answer 1

Walt has 37 quarters. Hank has 33.

Explanation:

Solve the given equation for q:

0.25q + 0.25q - 1.00 = 17.50

Simplify this, obtaining:

0.50q = 18.50

Simplifying this by multiplying both terms of this result by 100:

50 q = 1850

Thus, q = 1850/50 = 37

Walt has 37 quarters. Hank has 33.

Note that 37 + 33 = 70, and that 70($0.25) = $17.50. So our results are correct.