In the ever-evolving world of social media, a new brain teaser has captured the attention of millions. This seemingly simple math problem has left puzzle enthusiasts and casual scrollers alike perplexed, each trying to unravel the mystery behind the store’s financial loss.
The brain teaser, which has racked up over 50.1 million views on X (formerly Twitter), poses the following question: “A man steals a $100 bill from a store’s register. Then he buys $70 worth of goods at that store using the $100 bill, and gets $30 change. How much money did the store lose?”
At first glance, this brain teaser appears straightforward, but the nuances involved in the various transactions have left many scratching their heads. Let’s break down the details step by step:
Step 1: The Theft
The man steals a $100 bill from the store’s register, resulting in an immediate loss of $100 for the store.
Step 2: The Purchase
The man then uses the stolen $100 bill to purchase $70 worth of goods from the same store. While the store has now reclaimed the $100 bill, it has also lost $70 worth of merchandise.
Step 3: The Change
The store then gives the man $30 in change, further reducing the store’s cash on hand by $30.
As the brain teaser gained traction online, many individuals shared their perspectives on the correct answer. Let’s explore some of the different interpretations:
“The store lost $100. Then they got that $100 back. So far the store lost $0. But, then the store had to give back $30 in change. So, the store lost $30 for sure. The store also lost $70 worth of goods. So, the store ultimately lost = $30 in cash + $70 in goods = $100 total.”
“+100 -70 +30 = $60 in thief pocket. Store: -100 -70 +70 -30 = -130 store lost in merchandise and cash combined.”
“The store lost a total of $100. Here’s the breakdown: 1. The man stole $100 from the register. This is a loss of $100 for the store. 2. He then buys $70 worth of goods using the stolen $100. The store receives the $100 bill back, but it’s the same bill that was stolen. So, there’s no gain or loss from this transaction yet. 3. The store gives him $30 in change. This is an additional loss of $30 for the store. Adding up the two losses: $100 (stolen money) + $30 (change) = $130. However, the man also left with $70 worth of goods. So, the net loss for the store when considering the value of the goods and the money is still $100.”
“There are 3 transactions here. 1. The transaction that led to having the $100 bill 2. The transaction that led to the $70 tab 3. The difference between the 2 profit margins It really depends on the markups for each individual transaction and expenses to carry all 3 of them out.”
After carefully analyzing the different perspectives, the correct answer to the brain teaser is that the store lost a total of $100.
I’m still trying to work out the answer…🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZMgkMBmGoH
— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) September 23, 2023
Here’s the breakdown:
- The man stole a $100 bill from the store’s register, resulting in an immediate loss of $100 for the store.
- The man then used the stolen $100 bill to purchase $70 worth of goods from the same store. While the store has now reclaimed the $100 bill, it has also lost $70 worth of merchandise.
- The store then gave the man $30 in change, further reducing the store’s cash on hand by $30.
Adding up these losses, we can see that the store’s total loss is $100 – the $100 stolen bill, plus the $70 worth of goods, and the $30 in change given back to the thief.
The differing perspectives shared in the comments section highlight the importance of considering context and multiple angles when solving complex problems. While some individuals focused solely on the monetary transactions, others factored in the value of the stolen goods, leading to different conclusions.
In the realm of brain teasers and problem-solving, it’s crucial to approach each challenge with an open mind, scrutinize the details, and consider various interpretations before arriving at a final answer.
The viral $100 brain teaser has provided us with several valuable lessons:
- Attention to Detail: The seemingly simple math problem required a close examination of the various transactions involved to arrive at the correct solution.
- Importance of Context: Understanding the broader context, such as the store’s profit margins and the value of the stolen goods, was essential in determining the true financial impact.
- Embracing Different Perspectives: Considering multiple viewpoints and perspectives helped to uncover the nuances and complexities of the problem, leading to a more comprehensive understanding.
- Appreciation for Puzzles and Problem-Solving: The widespread interest and engagement with this brain teaser highlight the human fascination with intellectual challenges and the joy of solving them.
- The Power of Social Media: The rapid virality of this brain teaser demonstrates the ability of social media to amplify and spread captivating content, sparking discussions and engaging audiences worldwide.
The viral $100 brain teaser has captivated the internet, showcasing the power of a well-crafted intellectual challenge. By diving deep into the details, exploring different perspectives, and approaching the problem with an open and analytical mindset, we can not only solve these puzzles but also develop valuable problem-solving skills that can be applied to various aspects of our lives.
So, the next time you encounter a brain teaser or a complex problem, remember the lessons learned from this viral sensation. Embrace the challenge, consider multiple angles, and trust your ability to unravel the mystery. Who knows, you might just be the one to crack the next viral puzzle that has the internet abuzz.
