Project 13.2
Here is an alternative question:
Michael Rossides has come up with a scheme for eliminating coins. This scheme involves
probability and the fact that most cash registers today are computers. Suppose that every cash
register could be programmed with a random number generator; that is, suppose that it were possible
to pick a random number from 1 to 99. Rossides' system works as follows. Suppose you purchase
items totaling $15.89. The computer would choose a number from 1 to 99 and then compare it with
the cents portion of the purchase. In this case, if the random number is between 1 and 89 the
price would be rounded up to $16; if it is between 90 and 99 the price would be rounded down
to $15. For example, if you purchase a cup of coffee for $1.20, and the random number generator
produces a random number from 1 to 20, the price is $2, but if it produces a number from 21
to 99 the price is $1. Write a paper commenting on this scheme.