The Block Challenge


  • I have a large quantity of 19 cent stamps, 23 cent stamps, and 32 cent stamps.
  • I had to mail a package that cost $2.35.
  • It wasn’t hard to do; I just used two 19 cent stamps, three 23 cent stamps, and four 32 cent stamps.
  • I would have been in trouble if I had to mail something that cost $0.35.
  • There is no way to cover that exactly with the amount of stamps I have, and I was brought up never to waste postage.
  • What is the largest amount of postage that cannot be covered exactly with the stamps I have?

  • Solutions can be emailed to warblock@yahoo.com, dropped off at 1211 during classroom hours. Please write neatly and clearly, including your name and class Thanks to Doug Shaw, University of Northern Iowa for providing the format.