- #1
musicgold
- 304
- 19
Hi,
This is not homework. I need to understand why the binary number system works in the case of a particular problem.
While trying to solve the puzzle below, I set out to finding the minimum number of denominations required to create a particular amount. To create any amount up to $15, I just need to have 4 coin types: 1, 2, 4, 8. Then I realized this problem is somehow related to the binary number system or the ##2^n## system.
"A dealer has 1000 one-dollar coins and 10 bags. He has to divide the coins over the ten bags, so that he can make any number of coins simply by handing over a few bags. How must divide his money into the ten bags?"
1. Homework Statement
a. Why is this issue related to the binary system or doubling successive amounts? Why, for example, is it not related ##3^n## or ##5^n##? Is it some how related to the nature of reality?
b. Why do we almost never see $4 or $8 coins or bills in any society, even though they are the building blocks (as we saw above) to create any amount?
Thanks
This is not homework. I need to understand why the binary number system works in the case of a particular problem.
While trying to solve the puzzle below, I set out to finding the minimum number of denominations required to create a particular amount. To create any amount up to $15, I just need to have 4 coin types: 1, 2, 4, 8. Then I realized this problem is somehow related to the binary number system or the ##2^n## system.
"A dealer has 1000 one-dollar coins and 10 bags. He has to divide the coins over the ten bags, so that he can make any number of coins simply by handing over a few bags. How must divide his money into the ten bags?"
1. Homework Statement
a. Why is this issue related to the binary system or doubling successive amounts? Why, for example, is it not related ##3^n## or ##5^n##? Is it some how related to the nature of reality?
b. Why do we almost never see $4 or $8 coins or bills in any society, even though they are the building blocks (as we saw above) to create any amount?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Thanks