Subject: math problems
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 01:55:36 -0500

Richie
middle-8 student

questions:

1.what did one dollar equal in France francs ten years ago, twenty years ago, and fifty years ago?

Hi Richie

In 1950: $1 US was worth about 400 francs (i.e. $.0025 per franc)
In March 1969: $1 US was worth 4.95 francs (i.e. $.202 per franc)
In 1973: $1 Us was worth 4.54 francs ($.220 per franc)
In May 1987: $1 US was worth 5.95 francs ($.168 per franc)

These numbers come from almanacs that happened to be sitting about. The real story is to be found elsewhere: There was a crisis in Vietnam in the 50s, and in Algeria in 1960; The "new franc" was introduced in 1960. And my 1950s dictionary says, "[the franc was] originally equal to 19.3 cents but valued at about 1/4 cent in 1950." I don't know whether "originally equal" refers to the value at the start of the First Republic or to the Fourth.

Cheers,
Chris

Go to Math Central

To return to the previous page use your browser's back button.