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

Source Work

1926: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Modern Puzzles:

Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems

Money Puzzles

$14$ -- 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.

Sources

• 1926: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Modern Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Money Puzzles: $14$. -- An Easy Settlement