The Mad Bishounen

A little puzzle, just for fun

jkefka

8/24/09 12:06 pm

I gave this to a Barnes and Noble clerk to mull over earlier today. I've solved it myself, at least I think I have, but I thought I would share it for kicks.

What is the minimum number of (American) coins required to make any amount up to $1?

If you get a solution, dump it in the comments, I'll give mine in a bit.

ETA: For pete's sake, people, there's no trick >< Here, I'll give my solution in white, select to see:

My best answer so far is ten coins, but there are two possible combinations.

3 quarters

2 dimes

EITHER:

1 nickel and 4 pennies

ETA: Actually, now that I think about it, my alternate solution doesn't work, so there's just the one.


Clearly I shall have to be more devious in my future postings.

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• tetradecimal

  8/24/09 05:51 pm (UTC)

  

  I hate you.
  
  These usually have some obnoxious trick to them, so the answer is either something silly, like 1, or actually requires serious computation.
  
  I will guess 1.

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  • jkefka

    8/24/09 05:58 pm (UTC)

    

    If this one has a trick I don't know it. I just found myself wondering while looking at the pile of change on my desk, and puzzled out an answer over the course of the day. My best answer so far is 10, though I can think of two arrangements that would give that answer.

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    • tetradecimal

      8/24/09 06:05 pm (UTC)

      

      The dickish answer would be 1 coin. Penny, quarter, doesn't matter, the only requirement is that the amount be "up to" $1.
      
      Layton Puzzle!
      You have ten candles lit inside a room with an open window. While you are watching, two are put out by the wind. While you are busy closing the window to prevent any further snuffings, one more goes out. How many candles do you have at the end?

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      • jkefka

        8/24/09 06:06 pm (UTC)

        

        Ten, seven of which are lit.

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        • tetradecimal

          8/24/09 06:10 pm (UTC)

          

          Three. All the others, left to their own devices, burn down to nothing.
          
          LOLOL

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          • jkefka

            8/24/09 06:11 pm (UTC)

            

            Ah, "at the end." Cute. I might have to get this game at some point.

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            • tetradecimal

              8/25/09 11:52 am (UTC)

              

              For pete's sake, people, there's no trick
              
              IT'S A TRAP!
              
              But yes, you should :D. It left me with an inordinate fondness for English gentlemen in top hats.

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• deliciouschaos

  8/24/09 06:04 pm (UTC)

  

  i-infinite combo ._.

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