Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
What impresses you about this problem? It doesn't require significant specific mathematical content, but it does require some mathematical reasoning. It lends itself to more than one solution, depending on where the coin replacement begins. Most solvers would use the natural strategy of drawing a picture or diagram. The problem is also likely to engage and challenge students, since it is different from more traditional problems.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fortunato et al. (1991) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: