Skill: Represent the same amount in different ways

The same amount of money can be made with different coins. To find the amount, count each coin by its value:

• quarter = $(25)$¢
• dime = $(10)$¢
• nickel = $5$¢
• penny = $1$¢

Example: Show $(50)$¢ in different ways.

1. Use quarters:
   $(25\text{¢} + 25\text{¢} = 50\text{¢})$
   So, $(50)$¢ is 2 quarters.

2. Use dimes:
   $(10\text{¢} + 10\text{¢} + 10\text{¢} + 10\text{¢} + 10\text{¢} = 50\text{¢})$
   So, $(50)$¢ is 5 dimes.

3. Use nickels:
   $(5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} + 5\text{¢} = 50\text{¢})$
   So, $(50)$¢ is 10 nickels.

These combinations look different, but they all have the same value: $(50)$¢. The number of coins does not tell you the amount; count each coin by its value.