An Admittedly Ambiguous Potential Puzzler
 

I have change in my pocket. Without asking the question directly, how can you most efficiently find out the makeup of the coins through basic questioning? In other words, find out the makeup of the coins in the fewest number of questions.

Unless you tell me how much change is in your pocket I'm going to let the aliens to my right anally probe you. What you say?

dola

Unless you tell me how much change is in your pocket I'm going to let the aliens to my right anally probe you. = statement

What you say? = that's my question.


I think this qualifies...

Could you please show me what's in your pockets?

Then ANSWER.

CR

He's going to say no. There's no way he says no to my question...

I'm striving for more of a logical breakdown of the coins, rather than a means to cut short the process.

(I know, it was ambiguous...)

OK out with the free thinkers...

She blinded me with science.

He won't say no to mine either. Cuz I have a gun...:)

CR

I see...interesting dilemma for Cougar. Shot or anally probed by aliens. Hard to predict this outcome at the start of the game...

Work with me, people!

1st Question: What's the total face value of the coins?
2nd Question...

How many different sized things do you have in your pocket?

can't you do this in 3 questions?

1: Total face value of coins
2: Number of total coins
3: Number of quarters

Is there any combination remaining where it might still be ambiguous as to the combination of dimes/nickels/pennies? I think a 4th question(how many nickels) may possibly be required but I'm throwing this out there..

dola,

Are we supposed to come up with an empirical most efficient solution or take turns asking 1 question at a time to arrive at a specific answer here?

The former. I will then test it with an actual or two.