Lesson 6.3 · Time and Money
Counting coins
You have a pile of coins in your pocket. Can you buy a 50¢ snack? To find out, you need to count how much money you have.
Know your coins
Each coin is worth a different number of cents. We write cents with the ¢ sign.
| Coin | Worth | Count by |
|---|---|---|
| penny | 1¢ | 1s |
| nickel | 5¢ | 5s |
| dime | 10¢ | 10s |
| quarter | 25¢ | 25s |
A dime is smaller than a nickel, but it is worth more. Size does not tell you the value!
100 cents is the same as 1 dollar. So 100¢ = $1.
Count the big coins first
Counting coins
- Sort the coins. Put the coins worth the most first.
- Start with the biggest coin. Then count on for each coin that comes next.
- Write the total with the ¢ sign.
Worked example: Dimes and pennies
How much money is 2 dimes and 3 pennies?
Count the dimes by 10s: 10, 20. Then count on the pennies by 1s: 21, 22, 23.
The total is 23¢.
Worked example: Four kinds of coins
How much is 1 quarter, 2 dimes, 1 nickel and 2 pennies?
Start with the quarter: 25. Count on 2 dimes: 35, 45. Count on the nickel: 50. Count on 2 pennies: 51, 52.
The total is 52¢.
Worked example: Two ways to make 30¢
Show 30¢ in two different ways.
- 3 dimes: 10, 20, 30.
- 1 quarter and 1 nickel: 25, 30.
Different coins can make the same amount.
Common mistake
Don't just count how many coins there are. 3 coins is not always 3¢! Three dimes is 30¢. Always use each coin's value.
Tip
Switching from counting by 10s to counting by 5s is tricky. Say the numbers out loud and touch each coin as you count.
Practice
How many cents is 3 dimes and 2 pennies? Write just the number.
Type a number.
How many cents is 1 quarter, 1 nickel and 3 pennies? Write just the number.
Type a number.
How many cents is 2 quarters, 1 dime and 2 nickels? Write just the number.
Type a number.
Which group of coins makes 45¢?
How many nickels make the same amount as 1 quarter?
Type a number.
Zoe has 1 quarter, 2 dimes, 3 nickels and 4 pennies. How many cents does she have? Write just the number.
Type a number.
Omar has 3 quarters. How many more cents does he need to have 1 dollar? Write just the number.
Type a number.
Which group does not make 50¢?