We have hit the 200 mark with our recent post about “Juneteenth”. Now, we move on to reach new heights and boldly go where no University Place bloggers have gone before!

Well, maybe later. Right now, I just want to pass along a clever little “mind reading” trick involving mathematics. Math can be fun, if you know the rules. I will explain this, step by step, then you can amaze friends and family with your ability to read their mind.

First, you ask them to write on a piece of paper a 3, 4, or 5 digit number. Tell them NOT to show you or tell you this number. As an example,  let’s say they write down a four-digit number:   2638     [you don't need to know whether it is a 3, 4 or 5 digit number that they choose]

Now, ask them to add each of the digits in their number:   2+6+3+8=19

Now, ask them to subtract the result [19] from the original number  2638

2638-19=2619

Now ask them to circle one of the digits in their answer, except ZERO. Let’s say they circle the digit 6.

At this point, you tell them to ONLY tell you the numbers they DID NOT circle and you will tell them what number they DID circle.

They tell you 219.   You add these,  2+1+9=12

The trick is: the difference between 12 and the next number which is divisible by 9, will be the number they circled. In this case, the next number divisible by 9 is 18. The difference between 12 and 18 is 6. That is the number they circled.

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