Let X = the number of pennies.
The number of nickels would be 2X
A penny is 0.01 and a nickel is 0.05
Now you have:
0.01x + 2(0.05x) = 8.80
Simplify:
0.01x + 0.10x = 8.80
Combine like terms:
0.11x = 8.80
Divide both sides by 0.11:
x = 8.80 / 0.11
x = 80
Pennies = X = 80 total pennies.
Nickels = 2x = 2 *80 = 160 nickels.
