Henry Ernest Dudeney/Modern Puzzles/14 - An Easy Settlement/Mistake

Source Work

 * Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems
 * Money Puzzles
 * $14$ -- An Easy Settlement
 * $14$ -- An Easy Settlement

Mistake

 * Three men, Andrews, Baker and Carey, sat down to play at some game.
 * When they put their money on the table it was found that they each possessed $2$ coins only, making altogether $\pounds 1 \ 4 \shillings 6 \oldpence$.
 * At the end of play Andrews had lost $5$ shillings and Carey had lost sixpence, and they all squared up by simply exchanging the coins.


 * What were the exact coins that each held on rising from the table?

The solution offered:


 * At the start of play
 * Andrews held a half-sovereign and a shilling,
 * Baker held a crown and a florin,
 * and Carey held a double florin and a half-crown.


 * After settlement,
 * Andrews held double florin and florin,
 * Baker the half-sovereign and half-crown,
 * and Carey held crown and a shilling.


 * Thus Andrews lost $5 \shillings$, Carey lost $6 \oldpence$, and Baker won $5 \shillings 6 \oldpence$.


 * The selection of the coins is obvious, but their allotment requires a little judgment and trial.

There are in fact $4$ distinct solutions.

The full analysis can be found here.