Place three matches, coins, or other articles on the table, and by
picking each one up and placing it back three times, counting each
time to finish with number 10, instead of 9. Pick up the first match
and return it to the table saying 1; the same with the second and
third, saying 2 and 3; repeat this counting 4; but the fifth match
must be held in the hand, saying at the time it is picked up, 5; the
other two are also picked up and held in hand, making 6 and 7; the
three matches are then returned to the table as 8, 9, and 10. If done
quickly few are able to see through it.
7. A man bought a colt for a certain sum and sold him 2 years
afterwards for £50 14s., gaining thereby as much per cent. per annum
compound interest as it had cost him. What was the original price?
=Do Figures Lie?=
“Figures cannot lie,” is a very old saying. Nevertheless, we can
all be deceived by them. Perhaps one of the best instances of them
leading us astray is the following:--
An employer engaged two young men, A and B, and agreed to pay them
wages at the rate of £100 per annum. A enquires if there is to be a
“rise,” and is answered by the employer, “Yes, I will increase your
wages £5 every six months.” “Oh! that is very small; it’s only £10
per year,” replied A. “Well,” said the employer, “I will double it,
and give you a rise of £20 per year.” A accepts the situation on
those terms.
B, in making his choice, prefers the £5 every six months. At the
first glance, it would appear that A’s position was the better.