Question 878532
The description might really be a counting-principles exercise, but I believe that the need for forty ways is wrong.


Using only 3 pennies puts certain restrictions on the number of nickels, dimes, and quarters.  Using only 8 pennies puts certain restrictions on the number of nickels, dimes, and quarters.  


Using a tree diagram approach to check possible combinations which give 48 cents will give far, far fewer than forty ways.