The brain teaser that has so far raked up over 50.2 million views asks people to solve a simple maths question.

Greetings, puzzle enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, we’re diving into a brain teaser that’s captured the attention of millions across the globe. This is one of those puzzles that may appear simple at first glance, yet it has left many scratching their heads in sheer confusion. The intriguing question asks about a store’s financial loss after an unusual transaction involving a sneaky thief and a $100 bill.

Unraveling the Brain Teaser

The question was first highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) by an account known as Out of Context Human Race. It reads: “A man steals a $100 bill from a store’s register. Then he buys $70 worth of goods at that store using the $100 bill, and gets $30 change. How much money did the store lose?” Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? Yet, the debate rages on as people try to nail down the definitive answer.

Massive Online Attention

This brain teaser was shared as recently as September 24 and has quickly spiraled into a viral sensation, amassing over 50.1 million views. Its popularity continues to spike as puzzle solvers from all walks of life weigh in with their thoughts and solutions.

Different Perspectives on the Solution

Let’s delve into some of the diverse opinions shared in the puzzle’s comment section:

One savvy thinker pointed out, “The store lost $100 initially. Once they got that $100 back, it seems they’ve initially lost $0. However, with the necessity to provide $30 change, the store’s real cash loss totals $30. Additionally, they parted with $70 worth of goods. All in all, the store lost a total value of $100, combining both merchandise and money.”

Another participant offered a breakdown with these calculations: “+100 -70 +30 = $60 in thief’s pocket. Store: -100 -70 +70 -30 equals a combined merchandise and cash loss of $130.”

A third commentator summarised the conundrum with, “The monetary loss was 30, yet they sacrificed $70 merchandise, leading to a total financial impact of $100.”

Adding further clarity, a fourth user elaborated, “The store ultimately suffered a $100 loss. Here’s why: The man nabbed $100 initially—immediate loss. Then, he bought $70 of goods, circulating the same $100 back—no change in loss or gain. But, the store handed back $30 in change, an extra $30 loss. Total consideration of goods and money results in a net $100 deficit.”

Complex Calculations

Yet another contributor highlighted, “This involves three transactions. The first relates to getting the $100 bill; the second concerns the $70 purchase, and the final is the $30 difference. Losses stem from individual transaction markups and expenses.”

So, have you managed to crack this mental riddle yet? It’s certainly food for thought!

Indeed, puzzles like this illustrate just how different minds approach problems. So whether you’ve solved it or are still ruminating, it’s all part of the fun! Stay tuned for more brain teasers that tickle the intellect and spark interesting discussions.