When the long-time popular TV program "Jeopardy!" filmed a show in the Summerset area recently, host Alex Trebek quizzed three local contestants, including one from Peyton Park, as they vied for cash in the game's three rounds.
During the action, the contestants, including Jay, "questioned answers" against each other during the "Jeopardy!" and "Double Jeopardy!" rounds; each then wagered part or all of the amount he or she had won on a "Final Jeopardy!" question to determine the final sums and game winner.

From the clues below, determine each contestant's full name, home town, and score before and after the final round on the perennial quiz favorite:

1. During "Final Jeopardy!", Ben doubled the money he had won through "Double Jeopardy!" and McNabb added $2,000 in winnings, but the contestant from Summerset missed the final answer and lost 1/3 of the winnings through the first two rounds.
   
   
2. The winner, who isn't Hardy, had $3,000 more than the second-place contestant.
   
   
3. Smith and the contestant from Thoreau Falls both missed the same $2,000 question in the category "Crossword Words" near the end of "Double Jeopardy!".
   
   
4. Stefanie finished in third place with a final total of $4,000.
   
   
5. After the "Double Jeopardy!" round and going into "Final Jeopardy!", the three contestants had amassed $13,000 among them.

(puzzle originally from www.allstarpuzzles.com)

When I originally wrote this problem, there was a statement in the opening paragraph that said that the trio's winnings totaled $17000, with no two having the same sum. During the voting, which I think those with access might recall, someone mentioned that that tidbit might be better suited as one of the clues, rather than in the introduction. I made the change, but either I messed it up somehow and only deleted the sentence, there was a problem with some part of the code I appended that made it not show up, or the submission form somehow truncated the problem when I submitted the change (such errors are very rare, but I have seen it happen a few times).

Anyway, I thought that the problem had only one possible solution; now I know why that is not the case. I finally realized, when I was going over the solution I have saved, what piece was missing. I shall have to be more careful when editing future problems. Good thing, Charlie, that you came upon the discrepancy when you did, or it may never have been noticed.

I have left the solution as I originally had it, and added to the end.

Posted by DJ on 2003-06-15 21:39:14