Multiple choice general knowledge math & puzzles

Divide $551 (in whole $ increments) into a number of bags so that I can ask for any amount between $1 and $551, and you can give me the proper amount by giving me a certain number of these bags without opening them. What is the minimum number of bags you will require?

  1. 12

  2. 9

  3. 10

  4. 15

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Using binary progression (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256) lets you form any number up to 511. To reach 551, add one more bag with 90. With 10 bags total, every amount from 1 to 551 is achievable. Options A (12), B (9), and D (15) don't minimize the count.