Sometimes knowledge about coins comes in handy....

Gonfunko

My homework tonight was a review on word problems. One of the questions asked the following: "Jan has 6 coins, none of which is a half dollar. The coins have a value of $0.85. What coins does she have?" I love this paticular sort of problem because it's easy (for me) to come up with an answer, even if it's not the one the worksheet was looking for. Here is how I answered the question: "She has 2 quarters, 3 dimes and 1 nickel. Alternatively, she could have 3 quarters, 1 nickel, a 2 cent piece and a 3 cent piece, or 3 20 cent pieces, 2 dimes and a nickel. Furthermore, all the nickels can be replaced with half dimes. All answers are correct since the problem does not specify that they must be circulating coins, and all the aforementioned coins are legal tender." Other answers that I did not write down include....

A) Who cares?
Let's ask Jan what coins she has!
C) Suppose some of the coins are counterfeit. Can we count the intrinsic value of the metal they're made of?
D) Are the coins those of the United States, and, if not, on what exchange rates should we base the value calculations?
E) Are we talking face value or numismatic value? If numismatic value, is the buyer or potential purchaser getting a rip or paying stupid money?
F) What is Jan doing looking at 85% of a Cook Islands dollar?

Can you think of any other answers?

lordmarcovan

All sure signs you think too much about coins.

LindeDad

Are we looking for a little extra creit here? Think it's in store. The answer we want depends on the question.

DominusDeus

4 dimes
1 quarter
1 20-cent piece.

Conder101

4 twenty cent pieces
2 cent piece
and either a nickel three cent or a trime

3 quarters
2 two cent pieces
1 one cent piece

dorkkarl

bwuahahaha! i love it! someone who thinks outside the bun!!!

K S

BAJJERFAN

are they holey?
are they raw?
are they registry quality?
do PCGS coins double in face value?

greymars

Are they Mexican, Candian, or other types of foreign coins that have to take into account the value of the dollar?

greymars

Let us know what your grade was for the answer you gave, please

marcmoish

dorkkarl

maybe the answer could be "6 bits & a 1796 dime"?

K S

Baley

170 half cents.

Robgetty

Somewhere out there is an underpaid elementary school math teacher who is cursing us.
(But I still would love to send my kid in with some 2,3,and 20 cent pieces to see the response!)

AuldFartte

<< <i>170 half cents. >>



That'd be my answer.

Conder101

Your answer would be wrong then. She only has SIX coins, not 170.