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PSYCHIC STUNTS
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
   
 
You will need a calculator to explore this cute little arithmetical puzzler.
  • Think of ANY three digit number. Then repeat it to form a six digit number (e.g., 315315)
  • Multipy this six digit number by 9 and divide by 11 (I predict there will be no remainder)
  • Divide the answer by 7 (I predict there will be no remainder)
  • Divide the answer by 3 (I predict there will be no remainder)
  • Multiply the answer by 2 and divide by 13 (I predict there will be no remainder)
  • Divide the answer by 6
I predict the answer = the number you first thought of !

Challenge
Can you work out why this trick never fails?


Credits

Adapted from an effect first published by Martin Gardner in the Washington Post Education Review (April 5, 1987).

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