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Unit 3: Change and The Metric System

Topic B: Making Change

Introduction

Making change is a vital everyday skill that helps you give exact cash quickly and accurately. In this chapter, you will learn how to round amounts to the nearest 0 or 5 and then use the fewest bills or coins to complete the transaction. Mastering these steps will boost your confidence and speed whenever you handle cash.

When you make a change, your first goal is to get a number that ends in 0 or 5. For example, if you bought something for $4, the first thing to do would be to get to $5. Check out examples A to C below.

Example A

$4 to $5

To get from $4 to $5, you would need 1 loonie.

Example B

$23 to $25

To get from $23 to $25, you would need 1 toonie OR 2 loonies

Example C

$55 to $60

To get from $55 to $60, you would need 1 five-dollar bill OR 2 toonies and 1 loonie OR 2 toonies and 3 loonies, etc.

Why target multiples of 5?

  • Rounding your change to a multiple of 5 ensures the extra is in common denominations—quarters, loonies ($1), or $5 bills—instead of odd amounts like 3¢ or $2.37.

  • Always use the largest coins or bills possible (e.g. one $5 bill instead of five $1 bills). That cuts down on the total pieces you handle, speeds you up, and reduces mistakes.

Exercise 1

Circle the number of coins or bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure to use the least number of coins or bills. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

  1. $33 to $35
    5 loonies, 4 toonies
  2. $48 to $50
    5 loonies, 4 toonies
  3. $16 to $20
    5 loonies, 4 toonies
  4. $68 to $70
    5 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  5. $10 to $15
    5 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  6. $35 to $40
    5 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  7. $55 to $60
    5 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  8. $85 to $90
    5 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  9. $60 to $70
    2 5 dollar bills, 2 10 dollar bills
  10. $90 t0 $100
    2 5 dollar bills, 2 10 dollar bills
  11. $30 to $40
    2 10 dollar bills, 2 20 dollar bills
  12. $40 to $50
    2 10 dollar bills, 2 20 dollar bills
  13. $30 to $50
    2 10 dollar bills, 2 20 dollar bills
  14. $70 to $80
    2 10 dollar bills, 2 20 dollar bills
  15. $80 to $100
    2 10 dollar bills, 2 20 dollar bills
  16. $45 to $50
    2 loonies, 2 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  17. $21 to $25
    5 loonies, 4 toonies
  18. $55 to $60
    3 loonies, 2 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  19. $45 to $50
    3 loonies, 2 toonies, 2 5 dollar bills
  20. $40 to $50
    2 5 dollar bills, 2 10 dollar bills
  21. $70 to $80
    2 5 dollar bills, 2 10 dollar bills

Answers to Exercise 1

  1. 1 toonie
  2. 1 toonie
  3. 2 toonies
  4. 1 toonie
  5. 1 $5 bill
  6. 1 $5 bill
  7. 1 $5 bill
  8. 1 $5 bill
  9. 1 $10 bill
  10. 1 $10 bill
  11. 1 $10 bill
  12. 1 $10 bill
  13. 1 $20 bill
  14. 1 $10 bill
  15. 1 $20 bill
  16. 1 $5 bill
  17. 2 toonies
  18. 1 $5 bill
  19. 1 $5 bill
  20. 1 $10 bill
  21. 1 $10 bill

Exercise 2

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

Example: $56 to $60. You require 2 toonies to get to $60.

  1. $28 to $30
  2. $35 to $40
  3. $90 to $100
  4. $32 to $50
  5. $54 to $55
  6. $30 to $50
  7. $65 to $70
  8. $45 to $50

Answers to Exercise 2

  1. 1 toonie
  2. 1 $5 bill
  3. 1 $10 bill
  4. 1 $10 bill, 1 $5 bill, 1 toonie, and 1 loonie
  5. 1 loonie
  6. 1 $20 bill
  7. 1 $5 bill
  8. 1 $5 bill

Example D

$28 to $50
Need To get to
1 toonie $30
1 $20 bill $50

Example E

$36 to $50
Need To get to
2 toonies $40
1 $10 bill $50

Example F

$63 to $80
Need To get to
1 toonie $65
1 $5 bill $70
1 $10 bill $80

Exercise 3

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

Example:

$67 to $80
Need To get to
1 loonie $68
1 toonie $70
1 $10 bill $80
  1. $26 to $40
    Need To get to
  2. $47 to $60
    Need To get to
  3. $69 to $80
    Need To get to
  4. $18 to $20
    Need To get to
  5. $34 to $50
    Need To get to
  6. $51 to $60
    Need To get to
  7. $78 to $100
    Need To get to
  8. $82 to $100
    Need To get to
  9. $93 to $100
    Need To get to
  10. $3 to $10
    Need To get to

Answers to Exercise 3

  1. $26 to $40
    Need To get to
    2 toonies $30
    1 $10 bill $40
  2. $47 to $60
    Need To get to
    1 loonie $48
    1 toonie $50
    1 $10 $60
  3. $69 to $80
    Need To get to
    1 loonie $70
    1 $10 bill $80
  4. $18 to $20
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $20
  5. $36 to $50
    Need To get to
    2 toonies $40
    1 $10 bill $50
  6. $51 to $60
    Need To get to
    2 toonies $55
    1 $5 bill $60
  7. $78 to $100
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $80
    1 $20 bill $100
  8. $82 to $100
    Need To get to
    1 loonie $83
    1 toonie $85
    1 $5 bill $90
    1 $10 bill $100
  9. $93 to $100
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $95
    1 $5 bill $100
  10. $3 to $10
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $5
    1 $5 bill $10

Exercise 4

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get change from $100. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

Example: $67 to $100

Need To get to
1 loonie $68
1 toonie $70
1 $10 bill $80
1 $20 bill $100
  1. $26
    Need To get to
  2. $13
    Need To get to
  3. $57
    Need To get to
  4. $49
    Need To get to
  5. $38
    Need To get to
  6. $74
    Need To get to

Answers to Exercise 4

  1. $26
    Need To get to
    2 toonies $30
    1 $10 bill $40
    3 $20 bills $100
  2. $13
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $15
    1 $5 bill $20
    4 $20 bills $100
  3. $57
    Need To get to
    1 loonie $58
    1 toonie $60
    2 $20 bills $100
  4. $49
    Need To get to
    1 loonie $50
    1 $10 bill $60
    2 $20 bills $100
  5. $38
    Need To get to
    1 toonie $40
    3 $20 $100
  6. $74
    Need To get to
     3 toonies $80
     1 $20 bill $100

Exercise 5

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

Example A:   $2.69 from $5.00

Need To get to
1 penny $2.70
1 nickel $2.75
1 quarter $3.00
1 toonie $5.00

 Example B:   $6.29 from $10.00

Need To get to
1 penny $6.30
2 dimes $6.50
2 quarters $7.00
1 loonie $8.00
1 toonie $10.00

 Example C:  $12.49 from $20.00

Need To get to
1 penny $12.50
2 quarters $13.00
1 toonie $15.00
1 – $5 bill $20.00
  1. $2.19 from $10.00
    Need To get to
  2. $6.48 from $20.00
    Need To get to
  3. $8.67 from $20.00
    Need To get to
  4. $3.35 from $10.00
    Need To get to
  5. $17.81 from $20.00
    Need To get to
  6. $50.22 from $60.00
    Need To get to
  7. $20.51 from $40.00
    Need To get to
  8. $37.72 from $50.00
    Need To get to
  9. $19.87 from $50.00
    Need To get to
  10. $4.36 from $5.00
    Need To get to
  11. $44.54 from $60.00
    Need To get to
  12. $29.14 from $40.00
    Need To get to
  13. $65.76 from $80.00
    Need To get to
  14. $41.98 from $60.00
    Need To get to
  15. $97.69 from $100
    Need To get to
  16. $32.02 from $35.00
    Need To get to
  17. $58.27 from $100
    Need To get to
  18. $61.15 from $80.00
    Need To get to
  19. $72.84 from $100
    Need To get to
  20. $83.91 from $100
    Need To get to
  21. $5.23 from $20.00
    Need To get to
  22. $19.56 from $40.00
    Need To get to

Answers to Exercise 5

  1. $2.19 from $10.00
    Need To get to
    1 penny $2.20
    1 nickel $2.25
    3 quarters $3
    1 toonie $5
    1 $5 bill $10
  2. $6.48 from $20.00
    Need To get to
    2  pennies $6.50
    2 quarters $7
    1 loonie $8
    1 toonie $10
    1 $10 bill $20
  3. $8.67 from $20.00
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $8.70
    1 nickel $8.75
    1 quarter $9
    1 loonie $10
    1 $10 bill $20
  4. $3.35 from $10.00
    Need To get to
    1 nickel $3.40
    1 dime $3.50
    2 quarters $4
    1 loonie $5
    1 $5 bill $10
  5. $17.81 from $20.00
    Need To get to
    4 pennies $17.85
    1 nickel $17.90
    1 dime $18
    1 toonie $20
  6. $50.22 from $60.00
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $50.25
    3 quarters $51
    2 toonies $55
    1 $5 bill $60
  7. $20.51 from $40.00
    Need To get to
    4 pennies $20.55
    2 dimes $20.75
    1 quarter $21
    2 toonies $25
    1 $5 bill $30
    1 $10 bill $40
  8. $37.72 from $50.00
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $37.75
    1 quarter $38
    1 toonie $40
    1 $10 bill $50
  9. $19.87 from $50.00
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $19.90
    1 dime $20
    1 $10 bill $30
    1 $20 bill $50
  10. $4.36 from $5.00
    Need To get to
    4 pennies $4.40
    1 dime $4.50
    2 quarters $5
  11. $44.54 from $60.00
    Need To get to
    1 penny $44.55
    2 dimes $44.75
    1 quarter $45
    1 $5 bill $50
    1 $10 bill $60
  12. $29.14 from $40.00
    Need To get to
    1 penny $29.15
    1 dime $29.25
    3 quarters $30
    1 $10 bill $40
  13. $65.76 from $80.00
    Need To get to
    4 pennies $65.80
    2 dimes $66
    2 toonies $70
    1 $10 bill $80
  14. $41.98 from $60.00
    Need To get to
    2 pennies $42
    1 loonie $43
    1 toonie $45
    1 $5 bill $50
    1 $10 bill $60
  15. $97.69 from $100
    Need To get to
    1 penny $97.70
    1 nickel $97.75
    1 quarter $98
    1 toonie $100
  16. $32.02 from $35.00
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $32.05
    2 dimes $32.25
    3 quarters $33
    1 toonie $35
  17. $58.27 from $100
    Need To get to
    3 pennies $58.30
    2 dimes $58.50
    2 quarters $59
    1 loonie $60
    2 $20 bills $100
  18. $61.15 from $80.00
    Need To get to
    1 dime $61.25
    3 quarters $62
    1 loonie $63
    1 toonie $65
    1 $5 bill $70
    1 $10 bill $80
  19. $72.84 from $100
    Need To get to
    1 penny $72.85
    1 nickel $72.90
    1 dime $73
    1 toonie $75
    1 $5 bill $80
    1 $20 bill $100
  20. $83.91 from $100
    Need To get to
    4 pennies $83.95
    1 nickel $84
    1 loonie $85
    1 $5 bill $90
    1 $10 bill $100
  21. $5.23 from $20.00
    Need To get to
    2 pennies $5.25
    3 quarters $6
    2 toonies $10
    1 $10 bill $20
  22. $19.56 from $40.00
    Need To get to
    4  pennies $19.60
    1 nickel $19.65
    1 dime $19.75
    1 quarter $20
    1 $20 bill $40

Exercise 6

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

  1. $1.74 from $10.00
  2. $54.05 from $60.00
  3. $96.43 from $100.00
  4. $28.16 from $40.00
  5. $73.97 from $80.00
  6. $32.81 from $50.00
  7. $9.38 from $20.00
  8. $85.25 from $100.00

Answers to Exercise 6

  1. $1.74 from $10.00
    • 1 penny
    • 1 quarter
    • 1 loonie
    • 1 toonie
    • 1 $5 bill
  2. $54.05 from $60.00
    • 2 dimes
    • 3 quarters
    • 1 $5 bill
  3. $96.43 from $100.00
    • 2 pennies
    • 1 nickel
    • 2 quarters
    • 1 loonie
    • 1 toonie
  4. $28.16 from $40.00
    • 4 pennies
    • 1 nickel
    • 3 quarters
    • 1 loonie
    • 1 $10 bill
  5. $73.97 from $80.00
    • 3 pennies
    • 1 loonie
    • 1 $5 bill
  6. $32.81 from $50.00
    • 4 pennies
    • 1 nickel
    • 1 dime
    • 1 toonie
    • 1 $5 bill
    • 1 $10 bill
  7. $9.38 from $20.00
    • 2 pennies
    • 1 dime
    • 2 quarters
    • 1 $10 bill
  8. $85.25 from $100.00
    • 3 quarters
    • 2 toonies
    • 1 $10 bill

Exercise 7

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to

get change from $100. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.


  1. 1  kg of chicken for $24.59

  2. DVD Player for $25.73

  3. Metal shelf for $75.59

  4. Heavy duty drill costs $89.89

  5. Skates cost $67.49

  6. Floor lamp costs $73.91

  7. coffee maker costs $22.39

  8. a package of toilet paper costs $6.71

  9. a box of laundry detergent costs $13.43

  10. a can of baby formula costs $30.23

Answers to Exercise 7

  1. 1 penny, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 1 quarter, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 3 $20 bill
  2. 2 pennies, 1 quarter, 2 toonies, 1 $10 bill, 3 $20 bill
  3. 1 penny, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 1 quarter, 2 toonie, 1 $20 bill
  4. 1 penny, 1 dime, 1 $10 bill
  5. 1 penny, 2 quarters, 1 toonie, 1 $10 bill, 1 $20 bill
  6. 4 pennies, 1 nickel, 1 loonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $20 bill
  7. 1 penny, 1 dime, 2 quarters, 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 3 $20 bill
  8. 4 pennies, 1 quarter, 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $10 bill, 4 $20 bill
  9. 2 pennies, 1 nickel, 2 quarters, 1 loonie, 1 $5 bill, 4 $20 bill
  10. 2 pennies, 3 quarters, 2 toonies, 1 $5 bill, 3 $20 bill

Exercise 8

State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get change from $100. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. Check your work using the answer key at the end of the exercise.

  1. Mrs. Bhabra bought a food processor that cost $55.99. What change will she get from $100?
  2. Pablo bought Lego for $30.23.  What change will she get from $100?
  3. A case of 6 bottles of motor oil costs $43.67. What change will you get from $100?
  4. Shampoo costs $3.99 and conditioner costs $4.99. Together with taxes they cost $10.06.  What change will you get from $100?

Answers to Exercise 8

  1. 1 penny, 2 toonies,  2 $20 bills
  2. 2 pennies, 3 quarters, 2 toonies, 1 $5 bill, 3 $20 bills
  3. 3 pennies, 1 nickel, 1 quarter, 1 loonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 2 $20 bills
  4. 4 pennies, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 3 quarters, 2 toonies, 1 $5 bill, 4 $20 bills

Topic B: Self-Test

Mark  /21   Aim  17/21

  1. Circle the number of coins and bills needed to get from the first number to the second number.  Use the least number of coins. (4 marks)
    1. $76 to $80
      4 loonies, 4 toonies
    2. $22 to $25
      4 loonies, 4 toonies
    3. $40 to $50
      2 5 dollar bills, 2 10 dollar bills
    4. $55 to $60
      4 loonies, 4 toonies, 2 $5 bills
  2. State the number and kind of coins or bills are needed to get from the first number to the second number. (4 marks)
    1. $48 to $50
    2. $76 to $80
    3. $95 to $100
    4. $40 to $50
  3. State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get from the first number to the second number. Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. (4 marks)
    1. $37 to $50
    2. $16 to $50
    3. $42 to $60
    4. $81 to $100
  4. State the number and kind of coins and bills you would need to get change from $100.  Make sure you use the least number of coins and bills as possible. (9 marks)
    1. $23
    2. $41
    3. $68
    4. $72
    5. groceries cost $89.63
    6. telephone bill was $51.08
    7. gas for the car cost $61.59
    8. Czelinski bought a new vacuum cleaner for $86.32. What change will get from $100?
    9. Uchida bought a new frying pan for $39.19. How much change will she get back from $100?

Answers to Topic B Self-Test

    1. 2 toonies
    2. 1 loonie, 1 toonie
    3. 1 $10 bill
    4. 1 $5 bill
    1. 1 toonie
    2. 2 toonies
    3. 1 $5 bill
    4. 1 $10 bill
    1. 1 toonie, 1 toonie, 1 $10 bill
    2. 2 toonies, 1 $10 bill, 1 $20 bill
    3. 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill
    4. 2 toonies, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill
    1. 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 3 $20 bill
    2. 2 toonies, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 2 $20 bills
    3. 1 toonie, 1 $10 bill, 1 $20 bills
    4. 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $20 bill
    5. 2 pennies, 1 dime, 1 quarter, 1 $10 bill
    6. 2 pennies, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 3 quarters, 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 2 $20 bills
    7. 1 penny, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 1 quarter, 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $5 bill, 1 $10 bill, 1 $20 bill
    8. 3 pennies, 1 nickel, 1 dime, 2 quarters, 1 loonie, 1 toonie, 1 $10 bill
    9. 1 penny, 1 nickel, 3 quarters, 3 $20 bills

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Adult Literacy Fundamental Mathematics: Book 3 – 2nd Edition Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Tagami and Liz Girard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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