1955 AHSME Problems/Problem 23

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In checking the petty cash a clerk counts $q$ quarters, $d$ dimes, $n$ nickels, and $c$ cents. Later he discovers that $x$ of the nickels were counted as quarters and $x$ of the dimes were counted as cents. To correct the total obtained the clerk must:

$\textbf{(A)}\ \text{make no correction}\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ \text{subtract 11 cents}\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ \text{subtract 11}x\text{ cents}\\ \textbf{(D)}\ \text{add 11}x\text{ cents}\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ \text{add }x\text{ cents}$

Solution

If the clerk mistook $x$ nickels as quarters, then every mistake inflates the total by $20$ cents. In order to correct this, we have to subtract $20$ cents $x$ times, for a total of $20x$ cents. We can do the same for the $x$ dimes that were turned into pennies (or cents). This exchange would increase the total value of the coins by $9x$.

As a total, you get $-20x + 9x = -11x$. In order to correct the amount, the clerk should $\boxed{\text{subtract } 11x \text{ cents}}$.

See Also

1955 AHSC (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 22
Followed by
Problem 24
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