Follow the instructions 1) Punch the 1st three digits of your home phone # into your calculator [without the area code]. 2) Multiply by 80. 3) Add 1. 4) Multiply by 250. 5) Add the last four digits of your home phone #. 6) Add the last four digits of your home phone # again. 7) Subtract 250. Divide by 2. Does that number look familiar? Wasnt that fun kids?
useful trick I teach high school, and I often give a version of this trick on the first day of school in algebra class to illustrate what algebra is for. I explain that while 20 or so students had to labor through a series of calculations, I was able to solve all 20 problems at once by using algebra.
Actually, no--I shouldn't be studying. See, my life allows room for many things including studying, working, joking, exercising and lots of other "ings". It's called "time management"--a concept you should become familiar with. Then maybe you'll have even more time to respond in your glib, sourpuss manner to posters who are having a little fun. Good grief.
