Mind-Bending Math & GamesRecreational Mathematics

The 1089 Trick

Any three-digit number leads to the same answer

Pick any three-digit number. A stranger who never sees it already knows what four simple moves will turn it into. How?

You'll find out

  • Why the middle digit never matters
  • The nine numbers hiding in between
  • What happens with four digits

Why it matters

Magic tricks like this one are algebra in disguise: the way numbers are written doing what it cannot help doing.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 156 · Zone 18

Play this lesson

Free to play in your browser or on iPhone

More in this zone

  1. 154Infinite SeriesAchilles and the TortoiseInfinitely many steps can take finite time
  2. 155Bridge EngineeringSuspension BridgesCables turn huge loads into tension they can handle
  3. 157ProbabilityThe 100 Prisoners RiddleA clever plan turns near-certain death into a 31% chance
  4. 158PsychoacousticsWhy Ads Sound LouderTwo sounds at the same volume can feel completely different
  5. 159Computing HistoryThe Women Who Programmed ENIACSix women programmed the first general-purpose electronic computer
  6. 160Language ModelsSame Question, Different AnswerA dial called temperature makes chatbots creative or predictable
  7. 161CryptographyHow Long to Crack It?Every extra character multiplies an attacker's work
  8. 162CybersecurityHow Sites Store Your PasswordA good website never actually knows your password