Coins are to be put into 12 pockets so that each pocket contains at least one coin.
Coins are to be put into 12 pockets so that each pocket contains at least one coin. At most 8 of the pockets are to contain the same number of coins, and no two of the remaining pockets are to contain an equal number of coins. What is the least possible number of coins needed for the pockets?
Answer/Solution
22
Steps/Work
Since at most 3 of the pockets are to contain the same number of coins then minimize # of coins in each, so let each contain just 1 coin;
Next, we are told that no two of the remaining 4 pockets should contain an equal number of coins, so they should contain 2, 3, 4, and 5 coins each (also minimum possible);
Total: 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+2+3+4+5=22
Answer: D.
Next, we are told that no two of the remaining 4 pockets should contain an equal number of coins, so they should contain 2, 3, 4, and 5 coins each (also minimum possible);
Total: 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+2+3+4+5=22
Answer: D.