Physical Amusements and Diverting Experiments / Composed and Performed in Different Capitals of Europe, and in London

by Giuseppe Pinetti

CHAP. IX.

A puzzling Question to be proposed for Solution.

Set down three sums on paper; and say to the company, ladies and gentlemen, there are three sums, very different from each other, and very disproportionate; yet I wish to divide them among three persons, so that they may have an equal sum each, and yet without altering any thing in either of the sums. This will appear very difficult, yet nothing so simple and easy; one single addition will suffice to prove to you that the amount of each sum will be the same, and that the shares will not enrich much the respective persons: here is the proof: