THE SOLUTION:
NO; IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL.
Matt’s pocket could have anywhere from $2.25 (one $1 bill and 5 quarters) to $5.25 (five $1 bills and one quarter) in it. [With the George Washington dollar coins in the new presidential series, the total could be as high as $6.00.]
Jon’s pocket could contain anywhere from $5.05 (one $5 bill and 5 pennies) to $25.01 (five $5 bills and one penny).
Comments (5)
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My instant reaction was right, but I still re-read the damn thing six times trying to find the additional information I was overlooking.
posted by EMStoveken on 6-9-2009 at 9:26 am
It was a confussing puzzle. You also have to take into account that there is a 1 dollar coin with George on it. So it could get even more confussing.
posted by Doug on 6-9-2009 at 11:20 am
@Doug: Since it’s already impossible to tell, it wouldn’t make it more possible if the Washington dollar was a consideration.
posted by Betsy on 6-9-2009 at 12:54 pm
(Sorry for the grammar.)
posted by Betsy on 6-9-2009 at 12:58 pm
Exactly, Betsy. There is a Washington $1 coin (and will be a Lincoln one, as well) but neither coin has an effect on the answer.
posted by Sandy Wood on 6-9-2009 at 2:28 pm