Dimes and Quarters Remix

This is a remix of "Dimes and Quarters" by Illustrative Mathematics  (https://goopenva.org/courses/dimes-and-quarters/view). 

The original resource has students pick the correct system of equation for: "The only coins that Alexis has are dimes and quarters. Her coins have a total value of $5.80. She has a total of 40 coins." 

This activity could be used  to introduce how to set up systems of equations. I would, if possible, have the correct amount of nickels and dimes in actual change as we discuss (or have students write) the equations for the system.  

The goal is for them to see that x and y are defined as the number of quarters and dimes, that the total number of coins is 40 (x + y = 40), and that the total value is found by multiplying 0.25 times x and 0.10 times y (0.25x + 0.10y = 5.80). Having the coins as a manipulative can help define the variables and give a concreate view of the system.