A simple maths sum

Add the figures below together in order without using a calculator...

(...1000 + 40 = 1040 + 1000 = 2040 etc...)


1000 + 40 + 1000 + 30 + 1000 + 20 + 1000 + 10 =


What's the answer?

(If you've already seen this..please don't ruin it).

 

er 4100?

 

My first thought was 5000, but it is 4100. ( I think anyway.)

 

4100?

 

I like this trick of the mind, from my old visual psychology lecturer Peter Thompson

 

Nicely ruined JT! Yes the answer is 4100! I remember seeing the maggie thatch on QI...tis a good illusion.

 

How was is ruined?

 

4100, I count in separate blocks, so I added the small numbers first and then the large and then both together.

 

I just re calculated it, and if you add up along from left to right from the top of your head, you reach 4090 and automatically assume 5000 when the ten comes into it.

Or maybe that's just me.

 

my apologies for being able to add up Rask

 

I got 4100 and I didn't even know about the 'test'. I do it the opposite way of The_Imaginary_Being though, I add the larger numbers first and the smaller numbers second.

 

i must be special, or simply lacking sleep, but i'm gettin 5000.

anyone can pm me the reason, i'm curious and don't want to spoil the surprise.

i'm a failure :banghead:

 

read one of my above posts.

 

Me too. That's what I got at first. I think seeing all the 1000's is what makes it confusing.

 

42!

Talking about hidden stuff, check this out. It's odd how a face can appear on a wall like this.

 

No...you are my favorite so far!!! You were supposed to think it was 5000!

Man..it took me 30 mins to convince my mate it was 4100, he ended up writing all the 1000's together on a piece of paper then adding the tens...he still got 5000! Honestly my ribs were killing from laughter

The answer is always 42! That big old face will haunt me on my next urbex mission!

 

I have dyscalculia and you just made me cry. :willy_nilly:

 

i got 4100 but there was a slight hesitation at that last 10

 

Even though you knew it was 4100! I love this sum, it's a tricky one.

 

Soz!