# Math Help - Counting back change?

1. ## Counting back change?

Okay, it's been a while since I've done simple subtraction, so I've forgotten the rule about subtracting from zero and watnot. Anyway, that's just the simple problem.

Here's the real issue: I had an interview for a job that requires me to count back change (because they DON'T use cash registers, Bruster's IceCream). So I have 1 day to tighten up to go back to take a test. After coming home to practice, I've found out that today that I'm pretty dumb

Anyway, I understand the general concept of counting back change. However, I don't know the steps to actually perform this task.

Can anybody help me? Explanations... Exercises... anything?

Keep in mind, I'm pretty dumb xD

If customer pays 50.00 and it costs $44.03. The change is$5.97 (I used calculator). How am I supposed to count that back? Any tips on what I'm supposed to do to get the exact change?

For example though, the realistic prices are like... $2.71 and$3.99
Random tidbit, tax is 6% where I live... If anybody wants to know xD

I think this is an article that explains what I'm supposed to be doing, I just don't really get it xD
http://www.ehow.com/how_2265850_count-out-change.html

2. Okay, so I did some practicing.

Here's my excercise.

Amount Paid: 20.00
Total Cost: 2.71
Customer's Change: 17.21

The subtraction goes like this I guess

20.00
-2.71
______
17.29

The first 0 on the far right becomes a 10.
The second 0 second from the far right becomes a 9.
The third 0 from the right becomes a 9 as well.
The 2 on the left becomes a 1.

Now I was counting back.

I counted back 4 pennies, 1 nickle, 2 dimes... I guess that gives a dollar? I know it gets sums up the ".00" in the "20.00" xD

3. Originally Posted by MoneyStudent
Okay, so I did some practicing.

Here's my excercise.

Amount Paid: 20.00
Total Cost: 2.71
Customer's Change: 17.21

The subtraction goes like this I guess

20.00
-2.71
______
17.29

The first 0 on the far right becomes a 10.
The second 0 second from the far right becomes a 9.
The third 0 from the right becomes a 9 as well.
The 2 on the left becomes a 1.

Now I was counting back.

I counted back 4 pennies, 1 nickle, 2 dimes... I guess that gives a dollar? I know it gets sums up the ".00" in the "20.00" xD
I usually add up to the next pound and then add the rest of the whole pounds and then if necessary some odd pence:

for example paying £3 for a £1.89 item would be 11p to £2 and then £1 to £3 giving a total of £1.11

4. Originally Posted by MoneyStudent
If customer pays 50.00 and it costs $44.03. The change is$5.97 (I used calculator). How am I supposed to count that back?
Just do exactly what the term says: Count it out:

44.03,
plus two pennies is 44.05,
plus two dimes is 44.25,
plus three quarters is 45.00,
plus five dollars is 50

You never actually know how much change you've given; you never actually do any subtraction. You simply add from the total until you arrive at what the customer handed you.

5. WOAH! I GOT IT!!

You don't need to know the total change.

Customer pays: 20.00
Total price: 17.14

You just add up to 20.00 from the 17.14.

So from the (.14)
Add 1 Penny to get (17.15)
Add a dime to get .25 in the (17.25)
Add 3 Quarters to sum up to (18.00)
Add 2 dollars to sum up to (20.00)

That money you just added up *IS* the change you're handing back.

1 Penny, 1 Dime, 3 quarters, 2 Dollars

6. Originally Posted by MoneyStudent
That money you just added up *IS* the change you're handing back.
You got it!