The riddle “A man steals $100 from a shop…” has taken the internet by storm, leaving many puzzled over its answer. This article will break down the riddle step by step to reveal the solution.
The Riddle
A man steals $100 from a shop’s cash register. He then buys $70 worth of goods from the shop using the stolen $100 bill, and the shopkeeper gives him $30 in change. How much money did the shop lose?
Breaking Down the Riddle
- Initial Theft
The man steals $100. The shop is down $100. - Purchase Transaction
- Goods Sold
The man buys $70 worth of goods. - Payment
He uses the stolen $100. - Change Given
The shopkeeper gives $30 in change.
- Goods Sold
- Net Loss Calculation
- Total Loss
The initial $100 stolen + $30 change given = $130. - Value Received
The shop got back $70 worth of goods sold. - Actual Loss
$130 (loss) – $70 (value received) = $60 total loss.
- Total Loss
Answer
The shop’s total loss is $100. Here’s why:
- Cash Loss
The shop lost the $100 bill that was stolen. - Goods and Change
The shopkeeper gave $70 worth of goods and $30 in change, totaling $100 in value. - Total Loss Calculation
$100 (stolen cash) + $30 (change given) – $70 (goods received) = $60. However, considering the cost price of goods, the actual loss may vary.
The shop lost $100 when considering the stolen money and the transaction. However, accounting for the goods’ cost price may alter the loss amount. Consequently, this riddle challenges your understanding of basic arithmetic and logical reasoning.
For further discussion and variations of this riddle, visit Brilliant.org’s explanation.