Quote:
Originally Posted by Cedwards38
True enough. I think the point my dad was making was that the equation at the end of the scenario is correct. Each man was, in fact, out $9 from pocket, and the only other dollar is the assistant's. 3 X 9 = 27 plus one is 28, and this math is correct.........I think.  There are no other dollars. Maybe my dad's point is that math can sometimes mislead and has to be deeply analyzed? |
IMHO it's not the math that's misleading, it's the way the question is setup in the first place. However, what you think your dad's point was, is fundamentally correct and the question was destined to confuse, mislead and make people over think. Using a simplified balance sheet, here's how I see the situation by just presenting and proofing the facts as they are known and without posing a confusing question:
Upon Check-in
.... Error Adjustment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
$30
.................... $30
................... Price paid for room on check-in.
.-4
. ............................................. Customers over charged.
.............................-3
.................... Refunded customers.
.............................-1
....................Pocketed by assistant.
==============================================
$26
.................... $26
...................Actual price of room.
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