or
according to Linda
2 to the power of (n-1) and
therefore
2^(32-1)
= $
2,147,483,648
and Eric says
Linda's math
is correct, but
she is figuring the number cents.
The answer
is $21,474,836.49
and
Tim
says
Your
solution to
the horseshoe puzzle is wrong.
It's not 2^(n-1) (i.e.2^31) but 2^n - 1 (i.e. 2^32 - 1).
So the answer should be $42,949,672.95
If you don't believe me consider the case for four nails.
The farmer charges:
# Amount
1 $0.01
2 $0.02
3 $0.04
4 $0.08
-------
$0.15 <- i.e. $0.01 x 2^4 - 1
