Math as Magic: The Always-4 Trick

For kids

Want to amaze your friends with a cool math trick? This trick makes it look like you can always guess their secret number!

The Secret Steps

Follow these steps carefully, and watch the magic happen!

1. Pick a number: Tell your friend to choose any number they like. It can be any whole number.
2. Multiply by 2: Next, ask them to multiply their number by 2.
3. Add 8: Now, have them add 8 to the result.
4. Divide by 2: Tell them to divide the new number by 2.
5. Subtract the original number: Finally, ask them to subtract the number they started with from the result.
6. The answer is... 4! No matter what number they picked at the beginning, the answer will always be 4!

Why Does This Work?

It might seem like magic, but it's all about how the math works! Let's break it down using a secret code where "x" is your friend's secret number:

• Start: x
• Multiply by 2: 2 * x = 2x
• Add 8: 2x + 8
• Divide by 2: (2x + 8) / 2 = x + 4
• Subtract the original number: (x + 4) - x = 4

See? The "x" disappears, and you're always left with 4!

Try It Out!

Now it's your turn to be the magician! Try this trick on your family and friends. Remember to follow the steps carefully, and practice so you can do it smoothly. Have fun amazing everyone with your math magic!