More Math Problems

[backpacker85]

An oldie, but still puzzling.....

Three salesmen get to a hotel late, and are told there is only one room available, and it costs $30. The three agree that they should all share the room at $10 apiece.

Several hours later the desk clerk realizes he made a mistake, that the room should only have cost $25, not the original $30. He calls the bellboy, explains the problem, and gives him the $5 difference to deliver to the three salesmen.

Halfway to their room, he can't figure out how to divide the $5 three ways, and figuring that they will never know the difference, he gives each of the salesmen $1 back and pockets the other $2 for himself.

So now the three salesmen have each paid $9 for the room, and the bellboy pocketed $2.

WHERE'S THE OTHER DOLLAR????

[docrowan]

I'm really hoping someone will have the answer to this. I'm stumped.

[Russianwolf]

$25 at the desk + $2 in the bellboy's pocket = $27

3 * $9 = $27

Where's the problem?

It's a trick question.

[docrowan]

$25 at the desk + $2 in the bellboy's pocket = $27

3 * $9 = $27

Where's the problem?

It's a trick question.

I really wish I'd waited 30 more seconds before posting my previous reply.

[Rob25]

If the guys are splitting $5 in change that means they've each paid $8.33 to equal $25. They each overpaid $1.67. They get the dollar each back. Now they've actually paid $9.33, but they only got a dollar back. Motel bellboy keeps the extra .67 from each guy equalling the $2 tip, but he actually also has .33 from each of the three guys. That's the extra dollar.

[scorrpio]

The question is phrased to make one want to add 2 to 27, and wonder about the missing $1 out of the original $30. While the proper way is to subtract 25 (what the hotel got) from 27 (what salesmen paid) and get the $2 that bellboy kept.

[backpacker85]

Good catch.

My head hurt so bad from all the other math problems, what with all the algebra, quadratic equations, etc., I just wanted to see who was ready for a little "misdirection".

Sure didn't take long with this bunch...