A janitor at a motel is covering for the clerk while he is in the restroomand 3 men walk in wanting 1 room. The janitor, not knowing the correct rates, says $10 a person for a total of $30. When the clerk comes back and finds out, he tells the janitor the rate for 1 room is $25 and that the janitor needs to give $5 in change. So, with no way to split $5 among 3 people, the janitor pockets $2 and give $1 to each of the 3 men.
(now the problem)
If each man paid $10 and got $1 in change, than they each paid $9. $9 multiplied 3 times is $27. The janitor pocketed $2 for a total of $29. So where is the last dollar to total the original charge of $30?
2006-08-03 23:50:37 · 7 answers · asked by jdoggjmd4 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The walkthrough of how to solve the problem is in the second half, there is no denying that my math is correct and to niglect this half of the problem would be to change the problem itself.
2006-08-04 00:26:39 · update #1
There is no missing dollar. BUT the problem arise from reasoning.
It is said that the 3 men paid $30.00
Man#1 $10.00- $1.00= $9.00
Man#2 $10.00- $1.00= $9.00
Man#3 $10.00- $1.00= $9.00
IMPORTANT: Look carefully the $5 was divided into 2 different amount. $3.00 and $2.00. Now, the $3.00, in numerical representation above, is deducted (negative), then why should the $2.00 be added when $3.00 was deducted; considering that they came from the same amount ($5.00). The logical error begins when operation was changed. The $2.00 was intended to be deducted not to be added.
2006-08-04 02:29:32 · answer #1 · answered by Neo_Apocalypse 3 · 13⤊ 0⤋
Three men each paid $10 which totals $30.
The clerk then refunded $5 which means that in total the men paid $25 - approx $8.33 each NOT $9.
The janitor gave each man back $1 out of the $5 refund which means he could keep $2 for himself.
So, ($8.33 x 3) + ($1 x 3) + $2 = $30
There is no missing dollar
2006-08-04 00:19:41 · answer #2 · answered by Somi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wording of your question is deliberately misleading.
Three men each paid $10 which totals $30.
The clerk then refunded $5 which means that in total the men paid $25 - approx $8.33 each NOT $9.
The janitor gave each man back $1 out of the $5 refund which means he could keep $2 for himself.
So, ($8.33 x 3) + ($1 x 3) + $2 = $30
There is no missing dollar.
2006-08-04 00:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by superspongeseven 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need to add to get to $30, is the $25 room rate + the $3 refund + the $2 janitor. The other is a fallacy in the reasoning.
2006-08-03 23:56:11 · answer #4 · answered by MollyMAM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They paid net $27, the janitor took $2 for him...(25+2)....it is not 27+2...
2006-08-04 00:17:46 · answer #5 · answered by robin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have an initial amount of $5.00 that needs to be split...each man got 3, janitor took 2....
2+3=5...all the money is accounted for
2006-08-04 00:00:46 · answer #6 · answered by Kit Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that asker needs a glass of water
2006-08-04 00:04:26 · answer #7 · answered by Aashish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋