Method #2: The sum of the measures of the angles around each interior point is degrees. So the sum of the measures of all of the angles must be degrees. Method #1: If there are triangles created, then the sum of the measures of the angles in each triangle is degrees. This trick works by counting the measures of all the angles in two different ways. Why does this magic trick work? I offer a thought bubble if you’d like to think about it before scrolling down to see the answer.
For the example above,, and there are indeed triangles in the figure. No matter what convex gon is drawn, no matter where the points are located, and no matter how lines are drawn to create triangles, there will always be triangles. The reason this magic trick works so well is that it’s so counter-intuitive. Magician: Was your answer… (and turns the answer over)? Magician: Now count the number of triangles. Just be sure that no two lines cross each other.Ĭhild: (connects the dots until the shape is divided into triangles an example is shown) Magician: Now connect the dots with lines until you get all triangles. Magician: Now draw that many dots inside of your shape.Ĭhild: (starts drawing dots inside the figure an example for ) While the child does this, the Magician calculates, writes the answer on a piece of paper, and turns the answer face down. Magician: Tell me another number between 3 and 10. Also, I chose a maximum of 10 mostly for ease of drawing and counting (and, for later, calculating). Important Note: For this trick to work, the original shape has to be convex… something shaped like an L or M won’t work. Magician: On a piece of paper, draw a shape with corners.Ĭhild: (draws a figure an example for is shown) Magician: Tell me a number between 3 and 10. I’ve found that it’s a big hit when performed for grade-school children. To prove your point, you tilt the calculator to one side, and give it a sharp tap.This is a magic trick that my math teacher taught me when I was about 13 or 14. Mention that you heard that there is a strange fact about the digits in a calculator.Īccording to rumor, the more pixels it takes to display a digit, the heavier that digit is. Punch the numbers 1 through 8 so they appear in sequence on the calculator. He then FREELY chooses any ONE DIGIT in the number, and circles it.Īnother great trick using an ordinary calculator, even a borrowed one. He writes the number on a piece of paper. The spectator starts by entering a random number, then multiplies that number with another number, then multiplies again to come up with a large multi-digit random number. You reveal your lightning calculation- and your total is CORRECT!Ī great trick using an ordinary calculator, even a borrowed one. Using the calculator, your spectator then adds up the four 4-digit numbers.
He can time you if he wants- and you write your total on a piece of paper. Tell your spectator that you can total up those four 4-digit numbers in under 10 seconds. Give him four towers, each with four numbers on them,īy FREELY arranging the towers in any order side by side, your spectator has created four rows of 4-digit numbers. Hand your spectator an ordinary calculator.
You'll get the password to the BONUS VIDEO (above) which will teach you TWO ADDITIONAL unbelievable effects you can perform anytime, anywhere with ANY calculator!
Plus learn two other stunning tricks you can do with a BORROWED calculator! Perform math wizardry with these colorful number towers.