A New TV

Here's an interesting story for you to practice your critical thinking skills.

Three friends, Mick, Alan and Stephen, decided to move in together because they got on so well. They found a luxury penthouse apartment in the city centre and agreed to go for it!

The first item they wanted to get for their new home was a TV. Since they had already spent most of their savings on the deposit and rent, they could only afford thirty euros (as they only wanted to pay ten euros each).

They went to the electronics shop in the hope of finding a TV that was within their budget. After about five minutes, they were surprised to find a decent enough TV for exactly thirty euros!

Alan and Stephen each gave their ten euros to Mick. Mick added his ten euros, and handed the full thirty euros to the salesman. Then the boys left the shop delighted with their new TV.

After a couple of minutes, the salesman ran out of the shop and called to them. There had been a mistake. The TV was on sale that week for only twenty-five euros! He had to return five euros to the three housemates.

He had noticed how they had paid ten euros each, so handed them each a one-euro coin. Then, while looking at the remaining two euro coins in his hand, he said “I’m not sure how I can divide these two coins between the three of you. Mick laughed and said “Never mind. Keep them for yourself!”

Mick, Alan and Stephen then walked back to their new home satisfied with their achievement.

Then end.

Now, let's discuss something interesting!

That wasn’t much of a story I hear you say. Well, actually it’s quite interesting because while you were reading something magic happened! I put you into a trance and I made one of the coins disappear!

Perhaps you think that would be impossible. Well then, let me ask you a few questions.

How much money did the three friends pay for the TV in the shop?

Now, how much money is left at the end of the story?

The salesman gave back one euro to each man, so effectively they each paid nine euros.

What is nine multiplied by three?

Twenty-seven.

How much did the salesman keep?

Two.

What is twenty-seven plus two?

…

Where is the missing dollar?

Glossary

1. move in together - move to a new home to live together
2. get on (with) – have a friendly relationship
3. deposit – a sum of money paid in case any damage is done to a rented property
4. afford – have enough money
5. budget – an amount of money you allow for something
6. decent enough – of an acceptable standard
7. exactly - precisely
8. handed – use your hand to give something to someone
9. delighted – very happy
10. housemates – people who live together
11. notice – become aware of
12. divide – separate into parts
13. never mind – don’t worry about it
14. achievement – something done successfully
15. discuss - talk about
16. trance – not fully conscious
17. disappear – cannot be seen anymore/lost
18. impossible – not possible
19. give back - return
20. effectively – actually/in fact