The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

3 MEN AT HOTEL RIDDLE

Q: THREE MEN WENT TO A HOTEL AND RENTED A ROOM. THE MANAGER CHARGED
THEM 30.00 DOLLARS $10.00 APIECE. THE ROOM WASN'T THAT GOOD SO THE
MANAGER DECIDED TO RETURN $5.00, TO SPLIT AMONG THE THREE MEN. THE
BELLBOY WAS SENT WITH THE MONEY AND ON THE WAY HE DECIDED TO KEEP
$2.00 AND GIVE THEM $3.00, $1.00 APIECE. THEREFORE, THEY EACH PAID
$9.00. BUT 9X3=27 AND 27+2>29. WHERE'S THE OTHER DOLLAR?
A: THAT'S THE WRONG WAY TO FIGURE IT OUT. THE MANAGER HAS $25.00.
25+5=30

James Callow comment: THE PATRONS HAVE $1 EACH=$3; THE BELLBOY HAS $2. TOTAL $30

Where learned: INDIANA ; University of Notre Dame ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): MONETARY (Q) ; MONETARY ITEMS (A) ; PERSONS (Q) ; PERSONS (Q)