In a coin collection, the number of nickels is 8 more than twice the number of quarters. if the collection has 42 nickels, how many quarters are in the collection? a)15 b)14 c)17 d)25

The number of nickels is 8+2q (q being quarters).  so if 8+2q=42, subtract 8 from both sides.  That gives you 2q=34.  Now, divide both sides by 2.  q=17.  17 quarters

17, because if there are 8 more than twice the number of quarters than nickels, and there are 42 nickles, and you need to find quarters, then you do the opposite equation. so instead of 8+ x*2+=42 (x representing the number we do not know),  you do 42-8/2. So 42-8= 34, and 34/2= 17.