Problem of the Day
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Missing Dollar

Three men go to a cheap motel, and the desk clerk charges them a sum of $30.00 for the night. The three of them split the cost ten dollars each. Later the manager comes over and tells the desk clerk that he overcharged the men, since the actual cost should have been $25.00. The manager gives the bellboy $5.00 and tells him to give it to the men. The bellboy, however, decides to cheat the men and pockets $2.00, giving each of the men only one dollar.

Now each man has paid $9.00 to stay for the night (3 x $9.00 = $27.00) and the bellboy has pocketed $2.00. However, $27.00 + $2.00 = $29.00. Where is the missing dollar?

Permalink: http://problemotd.com/problem/missing-dollar/

Comments:

  • beverku - 9 years ago

    There is no missing dollar. Each man paid $9 to stay the night. 3 * $9 = $27

    $25 to the Hotel and $2 to the bellboy.

    Adding another $2 into the system as the question implies is incorrect.

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  • (optional) - 9 years ago

    There is no missing dollar; the men did part away with (10 - 1) * 3 = 27; but this was after the bellboy taxed them. 30 = 25 + 2 + (3 * 1)
    Without the bellboy interference, it would be: 30 = 25 + (3 * 1.666666666...) In a way, they were saved by the bell.

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