Let's define the number of pennies as \( p \) and the number of nickels as \( n \).
From the problem, we know two things:
- The total value of the coins is $0.75, which can also be expressed in cents as 75 cents. Since each penny is worth 1 cent and each nickel is worth 5 cents, we can write the following equation based on the total value of the coins:
\[ p + 5n = 75 \]
- Ethan has 9 more nickels than pennies. This gives us another equation:
\[ n = p + 9 \]
Now we can substitute the second equation into the first equation. Replacing \( n \) in the first equation with \( p + 9 \):
\[ p + 5(p + 9) = 75 \]
Now, simplify the equation:
\[ p + 5p + 45 = 75 \]
Combine like terms:
\[ 6p + 45 = 75 \]
Subtract 45 from both sides:
\[ 6p = 30 \]
Now divide by 6:
\[ p = 5 \]
Using the value of \( p \) to find \( n \):
\[ n = p + 9 = 5 + 9 = 14 \]
Thus, Ethan has 5 pennies and 14 nickels.
Looking at the provided responses, the correct one is: 5 pennies and 14 nickels.