Henry Ernest Dudeney/Puzzles and Curious Problems/9 - Pocket-Money

Puzzles and Curious Problems by Henry Ernest Dudeney: $9$

Pocket-Money

"When I got to the station this morning," said Harold Tompkins, at his club, "I found I was short of cash.

I spend just one-half of what I had on my railway ticket, and then bought a penny newspaper.

When I got to the terminus I spent half of what I had left and twopence more on a telegram.

Then I spent half of the remainder on a bus, and gave threepence to that old match-seller outside the club.

Consequently I arrive here with this single penny.

Now, how much did I start out with?"

Sources

• 1932: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Puzzles and Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Money Puzzles: $9$. -- Pocket-Money
• 1968: Henry Ernest Dudeney: 536 Puzzles & Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Money Puzzles: $17$. Pocket Money