#23 Random Numbers Prediction

The Magician hands a volunteer an envelope, then proceeds to create a random number by asking for a one digit number from 3 new volunteers. But that’s not where it ends. To make the final number even more randomly impossible to guess, the 3 digit number is reversed and this new number is subtracted from the first and that answer is reversed and these two are added together. So, 3 digits reversed and subtracted and reversed then added together. How could anyone even guess what this final number would be? The envelope is opened by the volunteer and shown to everyone to reveal that the two numbers match!! No sleight of hand, no smoke, no mirrors – just two pieces of paper, a marker and psychic magic!
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There is absolutely nothing random about the prediction of this miracle. It is an absolute mathematical certainty that the answer will always be 1089 if the steps are followed and if the subtraction and addition are done correctly.

You begin by showing the audience an envelope. Inside the envelope, you say is a prediction. Next, you ask for 3 random numbers from 3 different audience members. Any three different numbers from 0 to 9 are then written on your pad. Next, the unit number(in the 1s column) and the hundredths number(in the 100s column) are reversed with the middle tens number (in the 10s column) stays in the middle. So, if you had 123, now you will have 321.

Now it is important to put this new number in the right spot. If it is a larger number than the original, it should be written above the original random number. So leave some space at the top of your page in case you need it.

Now subtraction!! You will always have to carry or borrow when doing the subtraction. For instance in our example of 321 – 123, 1 – 3 can’t be done so you have to borrow from the 20 position. If you don’t know how to carry, get someone to explain it to you or make sure you have a calculator handy to do the subtractions for you. The answer to our example would be: 198.

Once you have your quotient (that’s the answer to a subtraction), you once again will switch the 100s position with the 1s position and leave the 10s position where it is. So 198 becomes 891.

Now addition! And I’m sure everyone can do this one…because the answer will always be…what? Yes – your prediction: 1089, which is written on a piece of paper inside your envelope.

Give a try with a few numbers. One thing that kind of startled me one time was getting the quotient: 99. That happens with a few different combinations of numbers when you subtract. Don’t panic, you just put a 0 in front of it and then when you switch the numbers around you will have 099 + 990, which adds up to…yes…your prediction. You are so good at this already.

So, there you go. Impromptu mental magic! A pad, a pen and you can perform this anytime, anywhere. The practice is the subtraction. And then it will be a mathematical mystery to everyone.

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Steve Baker is a magician located in the GTA residing North of Orangeville.

Since 1997, Steve has entertained adults and children at private functions and large public venues to amaze them with sleight of hand, strolling magic tricks, mentalism and fun characters from the GTA, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Port Credit to Bolton, Beeton, Barrie, but not Beyond any town in Ontario-ari-ari-oh, Canada.