I came across an article today which details a funny little mental test. I’d seen this elsewhere, but I thought about it more today, and decided to write up a post about it.
I place $20 in a box.
So do you.
Now the box contains $40, and we both know it.
I sell the box to you for $30.
And we both walk away with a $10 profit.
So do you understand why this is wrong?
I’ll give you a minute…
The problem is easily solved with a simple application of addition and subtraction. In order to satisfy both parties, let us assume a base wealth for each participant.
Person 1: $20
Person 2: $50
Box: $0
Both parties now place $20 into the box.
Person 1: $0
Person 2: $30
Box: $40
Person 2 now pays Person 1 $30 for the box.
Person 1: $30
Person 2: $0
Box: $40
We then assume that Person 2 owns the box and its contents.
Person 1: $30
Person 2: $40 and a box
As you can see, by stepping through the problem simply, the solution becomes clear. Basic principles of math and logic are applied, and the irregularities of communication are eliminated.
Don’t let yourself be easily fooled.
