Brain Teaser: How Much Did the Store Really Lose?
Have you ever stopped to think how a seemingly simple mistake in a store transaction could cost far more than expected? At first glance, a small error in giving change might seem trivial—but look closer, and the financial impact becomes surprisingly larger.
This brain teaser challenges your assumptions, showing that sometimes the most obvious solution hides a deeper truth.
The Scenario
Imagine a store selling a product for $100. A customer walks in and pays with a $100 bill. In a rush, the cashier accidentally gives the customer $110 in change instead of the correct amount.
Now the question: How much did the store actually lose? Was it just the $10 extra in change, or is there more to the story?
Step-by-Step Analysis
Step 1: The Sale
The customer pays $100, and the store now has $100 in cash.
Step 2: The Incorrect Change
The cashier gives $110 in change. The store’s cash position is immediately affected:
Net Cash Flow
=
Cash Received
−
Cash Given
=
100
−
110
=
−
10
Net Cash Flow=Cash Received−Cash Given=100−110=−10
At this point, the store is down $10 in cash.
Step 3: Adding the Product
But the customer also leaves with the product, which is worth $100. When we factor that in, the total loss is:
Total Loss
=
Cash Loss
+
Product Value
=
10
+
100
=
110
Total Loss=Cash Loss+Product Value=10+100=110
So the store’s complete loss from this single transaction is $110.
The Clever Twist
The trick in this brain teaser lies in its simplicity. Many people quickly assume the store lost only the $10 extra in change, overlooking the product’s value. By considering both cash and goods, the true impact becomes clear.
Why Brain Teasers Matter
Puzzles like this do more than entertain—they sharpen mental skills:
Boost Problem-Solving: They require step-by-step reasoning.
Enhance Cognitive Flexibility: You learn to look at situations from multiple angles.
Encourage Creativity: Some solutions require thinking outside the obvious.
Improve Focus: Attention to detail is key to finding the correct answer.
More Puzzles to Try
The Missing Dollar Riddle: Three friends split a $30 bill, but after partial refunds, it seems a dollar is “missing.” Where did it go?
The Two Doors Puzzle: One door leads to freedom, one to danger, and two guardians—one always lies, one always tells the truth. What question reveals the safe door?
The Light Switch Problem: Three switches control three bulbs in another room. How can you figure out which switch controls which bulb with only one trip to the room?
Conclusion
This teaser reminds us that first impressions can be misleading. What seems like a simple $10 mistake is actually a $110 loss when we account for the product’s value. Breaking problems down step by step and considering all variables is a lesson that extends far beyond puzzles—into daily life, finances, and decision-making.
Next time you encounter a tricky scenario, pause, analyze carefully, and don’t overlook hidden details. Sometimes the smallest elements are the key to understanding the whole picture.