SOLUTION: Hi! <p> Never knew such a helpful website existed with such helpful tutors, who are dedicated to maths :) As a group, we've been confronted by a challenging maths question, that

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Question 134686: Hi!


Never knew such a helpful website existed with such helpful tutors, who are dedicated to maths :) As a group, we've been confronted by a challenging maths question, that we can't solve unless we do a massive diagram - we want to understand a time-efficient method to solve it. We are eigth grade students, so an explanation to suit our level would be appreciated:


"One hundred and twenty 5 cent coins are placed in a row. Every second coin is then replaced with a 10 cent coin. Every third coin is then replaced with a 20 cent coin. Every fourth coin is then replaced with a 50 cent coin. Finally, every fifth coin is replaced with a dollar coin. What is the total value of the 120 coins in a row now?"


Please help us.


Thank you!


Jasmine Zerlina
Brett Hagan
Melissa Salvagage
Jordan Kemp
Don Farlane
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I won't rob of the fun in solving this one. But here are a few ideas for you to consider.
1)When working with a "massive' problem, rather than try to solve it directly, attempt to make a similar smaller problem and solve that. Always looking for patterns in the solution that can be generalized. If you can find a pattern, then just extend that pattern to the big problem.
For instance, try a set using 20 instead of 120 and see what you find

2) Consider factoring each number into it's prime factors and then merging what you find in step 1 with what see doing this.
Good luck and enjoy!