In a world full of viral content, the latest sensation to sweep across social media is a seemingly simple brain teaser about a $100 bill. The scenario, posted by the account Out of Context Human Race on X (formerly Twitter), involves a thief who steals a $100 bill from a store, uses it to buy $70 worth of goods, and receives $30 in change. How much money did the store lose?
You might think it’s a straightforward problem, but the responses tell a different story. Some argue the store lost $100, while others insist the loss totals $130, combining the stolen $100 with the $30 in change. The trick to understanding this puzzle lies in following the money trail. While the thief spends the stolen $100, the store loses $30 in cash and $70 in merchandise, leading to a net loss of $100.
The puzzle quickly gained traction online, with countless people chiming in with their solutions. The discussion underscores the internet’s insatiable appetite for challenges that make you think twice before giving an answer. This viral phenomenon shows how even the most basic puzzles can ignite complex debates, making it clear that humans are naturally drawn to problem-solving.