Who is your role model - explained by math.

This fun trick came in the email from my friend. Try it and see how math could explain this mystery.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

Do this without looking at the answers

1. Pick your favorite number between 1 - 9
2. Multiply your favorite number by 3
3. Then add 3
4. Then multiply by 3 (I will wait while you get the calculator)
5. You should have a 2 digit number
6. Add the digits together


Now scroll down.........




Now match your number with the number below to see who is your ROLE MODEL on the list below:

1. Albert Einstein
2. Nelson Mandela
3. Margaret Thatcher
4. Tom Cruise
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Queen Elizabeth II
9. The Math Mom
10. George Washington

I know... I just have that effect on people... one day you too can be like me.
Do not aspire to anything less...
PS... Stop picking different numbers. I am your idol, just deal with it...

Curious to know how this "magic" works?

Let's say you picked number N.
Following the instructions you multiply it by 3, getting 3N.
Then you add 3: 3N+3
And multiply by 3: 3 x (3N+3) = 9N + 9
Now you are instructed in (6) to add two digits that compound your number.
How could this be that the sum of two digits in your number is exactly 9?

Well, here is secret: Number 9 has a magical property. If you multiply any number by it, in the resulting number the sum of digits is divisible by 9.
Your number is 9N+9, for sure is divisible by 9.
This means that in your number, the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
This sum could be 9, 18, 27, 36 etc.

But no matter what N you choose you always get a sum of 9 in this trick. Why?
Here is the second secret: Your number N was between 1 and 9, so your result is between 9x1+9=18 and 9x9+9=90
For a number between 18 and 90, the largest sum of digits is 8+9=17.
So, from the sequence of 9, 18, 27, 36 etc. you are stuck with 9 only!

Now, feel free to substitute your name under '9' and forward this further.
Enjoy the magic of math!