Skill: Choose coins for a small purchase

First, learn the coin values:

• Penny = $1$ cent
• Nickel = $5$ cents
• Dime = $10$ cents
• Quarter = $25$ cents

To choose coins, count their values until you reach the price. Start with the largest helpful coin.

Example: A small toy costs $37$. Which coins can you use?

1. Use one quarter:

$$25\text{ cents}$$

2. Count on by $10$ with one dime:

$$25+10=35\text{ cents}$$

3. Count on by $1$ with two pennies:

$$35+1+1=37\text{ cents}$$

So, you can pay with:

$$1\text{ quarter}+1\text{ dime}+2\text{ pennies}=37\text{ cents}$$

The coins do not have to look the same size to have value. Always use the coin’s name and value when counting. Different groups of coins can sometimes make the same amount.