Brain teasers often capture the imagination of puzzle enthusiasts, and the latest viral sensation is no exception. A deceptively simple math problem has been making the rounds on social media, leaving many scratching their heads and engaging in heated debates. The teaser in question poses a curious scenario: A man steals a $100 bill from a store, buys $70 worth of goods with it, and receives $30 in change. The question is simple: How much money did the store lose? But the answer, it seems, isn’t as straightforward as one might think.

At first glance, the brain teaser seems to present a straightforward arithmetic problem. However, it’s the nuances of the situation that complicate the solution. Let’s break down the sequence of events to understand the potential losses involved.

1. The Theft: The man initially steals a $100 bill from the store. This act, in itself, is a clear loss of $100 for the store. The store’s register is now $100 short.
2. The Purchase: The man then returns to the same store, buying $70 worth of goods using the stolen $100 bill. At this point, the store has technically received the $100 bill back, so one might assume the loss has been mitigated. However, the $70 worth of goods is now out of the store’s inventory.
3. The Change Given: Finally, the store gives the man $30 in change. This action reduces the store’s cash by $30.

To summarize these steps:

• The store loses $100 initially due to the theft.
• The $100 is returned when the man purchases goods worth $70, but the store loses $70 in merchandise.
• The store also loses $30 in cash when providing change.

Now that we’ve outlined the events, it’s time to calculate the store’s total loss. The key is to understand that the loss isn’t just about the stolen money but also the value of the goods and the cash given as change.

• Stolen Money: $100
• Value of Goods Sold: $70
• Change Given: $30

Initially, it might seem the store lost $100 (the stolen bill) and later lost an additional $70 in goods and $30 in change, leading to a total loss of $200. But this approach double-counts the initial theft, as the $100 bill was returned to the store.

The correct way to view it is:

• The store lost $70 in merchandise, which was exchanged for the stolen $100 bill.
• The store then lost $30 in cash when giving the change.

Therefore, the total loss is $100—comprising $70 in goods and $30 in cash.

The primary confusion arises from misunderstanding the transaction’s flow and double-counting the stolen $100. Many people mistakenly add the stolen $100 to the $70 in goods and $30 in change, concluding the store lost $200. However, this overlooks the fact that the $100 bill used in the transaction was the same bill that was stolen, and thus, doesn’t constitute an additional loss.

Others argue the store’s loss is only $30 (the change given) since the $70 in goods was exchanged for $100, and the store effectively breaks even on that part of the transaction. While this perspective simplifies the problem, it misses the comprehensive picture of both the merchandise loss and the cash outflow.

I’m still trying to work out the answer…🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZMgkMBmGoH

— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) September 23, 2023

After analyzing the scenario, it’s clear that the store’s total loss is $100. This figure accounts for the value of the goods and the cash given as change. The stolen $100 bill, once returned, doesn’t count as an additional loss, but it does play a role in the overall calculation.

This brain teaser serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest questions can be the most challenging. It’s a matter of understanding the flow of money and goods rather than just performing basic arithmetic.

The viral nature of this brain teaser lies in its ability to make people think deeply about something seemingly simple. It’s a great example of how a straightforward question can prompt widespread discussion, with many people offering different solutions based on their interpretations.

The widespread sharing and debate are likely due to the combination of math, logic, and the human tendency to overthink. It’s the kind of puzzle that pulls you in, making you question your assumptions and reconsider your approach—a hallmark of any great brain teaser.

So, were you able to solve the puzzle? If you arrived at the conclusion that the store lost $100, then congratulations—you’re in the minority who got it right! This brain teaser has sparked debates across the internet, and the discussions show no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s on social media or in casual conversation, this puzzle continues to engage and entertain, proving that even the simplest questions can have surprisingly complex answers.