The Postage-Stamp Problem, Number Theory, and the Programmable Calculator

摘要

The "postage-stamp problem" is a classic question in the area of Diophantine equations. Students can explore this rich and accessible problem to deepen their understanding of linear equations. The postage-stamp problem is best introduced to students through a specific example: Suppose that postage stamps are available only in denominations of five cents and seven cents. In how many ways can you use these stamps to make exactly eighty-nine cents worth of postage?