Number Puzzle 2

An Introductory Talk

1. Attract the attention of people by asking them if they would like to take an I.Q. test.
1. Ask if they are able to add number in their head without the use of a calculator;
2. At universities, you can say that it is a good test to see if they are receiving a good return on their tuition money;Always smile and make the presentation fun.


2. Either write the numbers on the sketchboard one at a time, asking for the total after each number, or prepare a piece of cardboad with numbers already written down and pull cardboard out of a large envelope to reveal on number at a time.


3. 95% of the time, the first person in your crowd to speak up will come up with the answer of 5,000. Give the crowd a few seconds and ask if they still agree with the answer of 5,000. Then, reveal that the correct answer is 4,100!


4. Suggested transition: "If you can be wrong on something that seems so simple, then maybe you have miscalculated on the greater truths of life also. Allow me to illustrate...."