Math Puzzle Logic Problem Money Riddle

The Kid's Sneaky Heist

The puzzle revolves around a mischievous kid who steals $100 from a shop. This initial act of stealing sets the stage for the entire money puzzle and establishes the kid’s involvement as the central element.

• The kid’s actions are the core of the problem.
• Understanding the kid’s actions is key to solving the puzzle.

The Toy Purchase

The kid then uses the stolen $100 to purchase a toy costing $40 from the same shop. This transaction adds another layer of complexity to the puzzle.

• This transaction involves the kid, the shop, and the money.
• It’s important to track the flow of money in this step.

The Change Received

After buying the $40 toy, the kid receives $60 in change from the cashier. This seemingly simple transaction complicates the calculation of the shop's loss.

• The change given to the kid further affects the overall loss.
• This part of the puzzle requires careful consideration of the money exchange.

The Shop's Apparent Loss

Some people might mistakenly think the shop's loss is only $40 (the value of the toy), ignoring the initial theft and the change given by the kid. Others might think it's $0 because the shop received the $100 back.

• This is a common misconception due to overlooking the initial theft.
• Many fail to consider the stolen money as part of the overall problem.

The Correct Solution

The correct solution involves understanding that the shop lost $100 initially when the kid stole the money. The subsequent purchase and change only further illustrate the problem created by the kid’s actions.

• The initial theft is the primary loss for the shop.
• The toy and change represent additional losses, not offsetting the theft.

Breaking Down the Shop's Loss

To solve this math puzzle involving the kid, we must consider each step:

• Initial Loss: $100 (stolen by the kid).
• Toy Cost: $40 (additional loss for the shop).
• Change Given: $60 (further loss).
• Total Loss: $100 + $40 + $60 = $200

The Kid's Profit

The kid, after stealing the money and making the purchase, ends up with the $40 toy and $60 in cash – a total of $100. This highlights the successful nature of the kid’s actions, illustrating how the kid profits from the puzzle.

• The kid profits from the transaction at the shop’s expense.
• The kid's actions result in a clear financial gain for the kid.

The Logic Behind the Puzzle

The puzzle tests one's ability to correctly trace the flow of money and recognize the fact that the shop’s losses accumulate rather than cancel out. The kid's theft is the base-line loss; the subsequent events merely add to it.

• The solution hinges on a proper understanding of the money's movement.
• It's a test of basic mathematical and logical reasoning.