M G Harish

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Magic - What's behind it?

Magic - Everyone gets fascinated by the very word itself. Does it really exist? I don't know. But most of the tricks involve deception in one or the other way, or some strong mathematical foundation known to not many. Let us go through both of these...

Just try this mind reader:



Well, if you are wondering how it works every single time, just get to the mathematical basics

Assume xy be the two digit number, x being the first digit and y being the second. So, the total value of the number is x*10+y. Now, it asks to subtract the sum of the two digits from the original number. That is, x+y should be subtracted from 10x+y. What is left is 9x. Which means, the answer is independent of y and will always be an integral multiple of 9, that is, 9, 18, 27 etc.. up 81. Now see the flash again, and go through the symbols of 9, 18 etc.. They are all same!! And every time you click the crystal ball, it just displays the corresponding symbol. Since x can not be greater than 9 (remember, it is the first digit of the two-digit number you take) the answer can not be 90 or 99.

Now go through this video showing glass illusion:



Wondering how it is possible? Go through the video once again, or till you get the clue. If you are still wondering, I will give a hint: Observe carefully when 42 seconds are remaining. You will see there is another cylinder inside the glasses, and obviously it is filled before in hand with water!

Don't you agree that there is either mathematics or cheating in every magic trick? If you don't, go through this one to know it! Enjoy...

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The first illusion is really a wonderful creation. I have seen this before. And they change the image for the multiples of 9 each time you click on the button.
Amazing work! :-)

Harisha - ಹರೀಶ said...

Yes, Nirmal. The third puzzle for which I have given the link, is also a wonderful use of mathematics basics. I just wonder how people get such ideas :)