GAMES & PUZZLES MATHEMATICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site missing dollar problem Three people have dined at a restaurant and received a total bill for $30. They agree to split the amount equally and pay $10 each. The waiter hands the bill and the $30 to the manager, who realizes there's been a mistake and the correct charge should be only $25. He gives the waiter five $1 bills to return to the customers, with the restaurant's apologies. However, the waiter is dishonest. He pockets $2, and gives back only $3 to the customers. So, each of the three customers has paid $9 and the waiter has stolen $2 making a total of $29. But the original bill was for $30. Where has the missing dollar gone? (See solution below.) A version of this problem first appeared in R. M. Abraham's Diversions and Pastimes in 1933.1 See also nine rooms paradox. Solution There is no missing dollar (of course!). Adding $27 and $2 (to get $29) is a bogus operation. They paid $27, $2 went to the dishonest waiter, and $25 went to the restaurant. You have to subtract $27 minus $2 to get $25. There never was a $29; it's a phony calculation designed to confuse the unwary. Reference Abraham, R. M. Diversions and Pastimes. London: Constable & Co., 1933. Reprinted , 1964. Related categories    • GAMES AND PUZZLES    • MATHEMATICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP