the value of an uncirculated mint state 65 1950 jefferson nickel minted in denver is 3/2 the value a 1945 nickel minted in philadelphia is similar condition. together the total value of the two coins is $20. what is the value of each coin?

Question

ranga · Answer

What is that 65 in the first line?  65 coins?

anonymous · Answer

it just says 'mint state 65' like that.

ranga · Answer

Assume the Philadelphia nickel is valued at "P" dollars and the Denver nickel is valued at "D" dollars.
Denver nickel is 3/2 times the value of Philadelphia nickel.
D = 3/2 * P   ---- (1)
Together the two nickels are worth $20.
D + P = 20   ----- (2)

Substitute D = 3/2P from (1) into (2) and solve for P.  
Then put P value in (1) and solve for D.

anonymous · Answer

so D+p=3/2 right?

ranga · Answer

Put D = 3/2P in (2):
3/2P + P = 20
P(3/2 + 1) = 20
P( (3+2) / 2 ) = 20
P * 5/2 = 20
P = 20 * 2 / 5 = 8
Put P = 8 in (1):
D = 3/2 * P = 3/2 * 8 = 3 * 4 = 12

Philadelphia nickel is worth $8
Denver nickel is worth $12