Jessica will have 17 Dimes and 31 Nickels.
Nickel = 0.05
Dime = 0.10
XNickels + YDimes = 3.25
0.05X + 0.1Y = 3.25
You could do this using trial and error.
You know the maximum amount of dimes you could have is 32. Because 32 * 0.1 = 3.20. If you had 33 dimes, you'd go over the limit.
You also know you need to have 48 coins. If you have 32 dimes and 1 nickel, you will not have 48 coins.
You can try any number below 32. I will try 16 because it's half of 32.
16 * 0.1 = 1.60
48 - 16 = 32 coins left
32 * 0.05 = 1.60
1.60 + 1.60 = 3.20
We're a nickel off, therefore we need to remove a nickel and add a dime.
17 * 0.1 = 1.70
48 - 17 = 31
31 * 0.05 = 1.55
1.70 + 1.55 = 3.25
Jessica will have 17 Dimes and 31 Nickels.
