I went into the bank to get change for a dollar. The teller said, "How do you want the change, buddy? I mean, there are 292 ways involving pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars to give change for a dollar!"

Since I didn't like her attitude, I didn't answer her question. I simply said, "Well, I certainly don't want any pennies."

How many ways are there for her to give me change now?

(Note: Americans, always shunning simplicity have chosen to name their coins in the following easy-to-remember manner: Penny=1 cent, Nickel=5 cents, Dime=10 cents, Quarter=25 cents, Half Dollar=50 cents)

Good job, now here's a challenge:

Can anyone give a logical or formulaic explanation (other than brute force) as to why the answer is specifically 40?

Posted by DJ on 2003-06-26 04:15:29