Guys, please answer this, it won't take much time for those who have already solved this.

http://codeforces.net/contest/552/problem/C

In this problem, if X ≤ w^k for where k is the largest possible, then we don't need to use all coins that have higher power than k + 1, i.e. coins w^k + 2, w^k + 3, ...wⁿ will not be used.

To start with the proof, I will take w^k + 2 first.

I need to prove that w^k + 2 is not used in all of the valid solutions which means, w^k + 2 doesn't occur either on the left or right side of the equation shown at the top. Now, if I could somehow prove that using w^k + 2 in left side or right side, I cannot arrive at a solution I would be complete with my proof. I will first put w^k + 2 in the left (along with X) and see. I have X + w^k + 2 on the left, I also know that X ≤ w^k. I can't work any further.

I am not able to prove how.

Ok, guys I got it!!!! (someone helped me). Here's a more easy proof.

Lets think a different way. What are the coin changes that I can make using w^k + 2. What is the smallest such change? The smallest change is equal to when we put w^k + 2 on the left and all smaller weights on the right i.e.

w^k + 2 - w^k + 1 - w^k - .... - w⁰

w^k + 2 — (w^k + 2 - 1) / (w - 1)

But this amount is greater than w^k.

Thus, if we use w^k + 2, the change must be greater than w^k. But, X ≤ w^k. So, we can't make any such X. Proof is complete.