need help with a math problem!?!?!

I

i.study

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Feb 9, 2012
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its for a project and I need some help please. this is the problem:


There are 15 cookie jars on a shelf. The first jar has 1 cookie, the second jar has 2 cookies, the third jar has 3 cookies, and so on. A student (1 student) can only take the same number of cookies from each jar. so if he decides to take 3 cookies from each jar than he can only take 3 cookies from each jar (none from the first and second jar). Can he empty all the jars in less than 5 moves?


meaning that the first time he can take 4 cookies form each jar. the next time he can take lets say 2 cookies form each jar (from whats left...) and so on.


so i need to find out if he can empty all the jars in LESS than 5 moves. and the process preferably algebraically. thanks!!!
 
it is a yes or no question but i need to prove either answer. so far the answer for me is no but i need to be 100% sure b/c this is a math project and a major (test) grade!!!
 
thank i figured it out! you divide by half and round up. so first time -8, -4, -2, -1. thansk!
 
im asking for help. i did all of it on my own thank you very much. im stressed out right now b/c none of my partners are doing anything. im doing all of this on my own fyi. and i never said its not my project.
 
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