We can write a system of equations:
1x + 10y = 182
x + y = 56
Where 'x' is the number of $1 bills, and 'y' is the number of $10 bills.
To find this we can solve using substitution.
Re-arrange the 2nd equation:
x + y = 56
Subtract 'y' to both sides:
x = -y + 56
Now we can plug in '-y + 56' for 'x' in the first equation.
1x + 10y = 182
1(-y + 56) + 10y = 182
-y + 56 + 10y = 182
Subtract 56 to both sides:
-y + 10y = 126
Combine like terms:
9y = 126
Divide 9 to both sides:
y = 14
Now we can plug this into any of the two equations to find the 'x' value.
x + y = 56
x + 14 = 56
Subtract 14 to both sides:
x = 42
So our final answer is (42, 14).
This means that the motel clerk had 42 $1 bills, and 14 $10 bills.