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)

(In reply to Challenge by DJ)

this may be purely coincidence, but:

2 50c = $1
4 25c = $1
10 10c = $1
20 5c = $1

2 * 4 * 10 * 20 = 1600
sqrt(1600) = 40

Posted by derek on 2003-07-03 10:24:19