Math solution sought

[Donn]

Does anyone know the math solution to this? I know it's an old saw, but I would like to know how (if) one solves it mathematically:

Three men enter an Inn just after midnight. The desk clerk says he has only one room, it's $30. So each of the men offer up $10. After they go to the room, the desk clerk realizes it is after midnight and the room is discounted to $25. So he gives the bellman 5 $1 bills and tells the bellman to give them to the men who just went upstairs. :D

The bellman, unscupulous little weasel, decides that he can just give them $1 each ($3 total) and keep two for himself. This he does. :mad:

So, The men paid $9 a piece = $27 ( 3 X $10 - $3 ) The bellman kept $2. $27 + $2 = $29, where's the other dollar? :p

[malcore]

This was posted here a long time ago, can't find the link.

Nice misdirection problem. Yes, they paid $27 total, but we don't add the $2 to the $27 they paid. We add the $3 they got back to the $27, because the $2 in essence is part of the $27 they paid. =$30


The room cost 25, they got 3 the bellman kept 2. 25+3+2=30.

[Donn]

Now, see, in my utterly unmathematical mind...I never thoughtof it as a verbal slight-of-hand. I thought there was some weird math matrix solution to it. :rolleyes:


:cool:

[123456]

Heard it before, did it...