How to Make Change

People who work with cash all the time, like tellers at the credit union and cashiers at a store, use a special way to make change very fast. It's a lot faster than writing with a pencil on paper or even looking at a cash register. Here's how it works:

Example One

Suppose that you are selling candy bars for $.48 each. Benjy Franklin gives you a dollar.

How do you make change?

1. Say the cost of the item.

2. Add the fewest coins to get to 25, 50, 75.

3. Then add quarters to get to the dollar bill.

Example Two

OK, let's try it again, but with bills larger than one dollar. (Remember to count single bills until you get to the bill given.) Suppose the local video store is having a sale on previously viewed videos. Penny Wise wants a tape that they are selling for $7.38. She gives the cashier $10.00 for it. How does the cashier make change?

1. Say the cost of the item

2. Add the fewest coins to get to 25, 50, or 75.

3. Now add quarters to get to a dollar.

4. Finally, add bills to get to $10.00.

It's best to count each coin and bill total out loud.

Please note: To make the questions easier, we have not included tax to the total of the sales.

Fill in or draw the coins you would use to make change for these items.

Remember: Don't use five singles when you can use one $5.

Example Three

Georgie Washington gives you $10 for a Baseball Trading Card you are selling for $3.45. Give him change.

Example Four

At your Garage Sale, you sell the video game you no longer play to Dolly Bill for $4.89. She

gives you $10.00. How much change should you give her? Remember: Don't use five singles

when you can use one $5.