How to Read Other People's Minds Through Mathematics

Mathematics is founded on many unchanging principles. If you follow the rules precisely, you will always arrive at the same result every time you calculate. While using mathematics in magic tricks is akin to an artistic performance in science, it is important to note that you can't truly read someone's mind using these tricks. However, when done correctly, you can astonish your friends by guessing their answers before they even reveal them!

Find a person willing to participate in your magic trick. Look for someone you'd like to impress who also has the time to take part in your trick. It's best to choose a quiet place to perform it, as distractions can make everything chaotic.

Ask them to choose an integer between 1 and 10. In theory, they can pick any number. However, it’s simpler to limit the range to 1 through 10. Choosing larger numbers will complicate the calculations, and decimals or fractions will only add confusion.

Impress with the "Answer is 3" trick. This trick is perfect for beginners as it is quite simple. Nevertheless, it provides enough magic to amaze others. Follow these steps to make your audience wonder how you knew the result:

1. Ask them to multiply their chosen number by 2.
2. Next, multiply the result by 5.
3. Then divide that number by the number they originally picked.
4. Finally, subtract 7 from the current result.
5. Now for the "guess"! If you followed the steps correctly, the answer will always be 3.
6. So, what’s the secret?

• For example, if they chose 3, the calculation goes like this: 3x2=6. 6x5=30. 30/3=10. 10-7=3.

Perform the "Divide and Conquer" trick. This trick is a bit more complex but a fantastic way to leave your friends speechless. This time, you’ll also pick a number, so be sure to choose an even number beforehand. After the other person selects a number, follow these steps:

1. Ask them to multiply their chosen number by 2.
2. You’ll choose an even number for yourself, and they will add that to their chosen number.
3. Next, they will divide the result by 2.
4. Finally, subtract the original number they picked from the current result.
5. "Guess" the outcome. This time, the answer will always be half of the even number you selected.

• For example, if you picked 10 and the other person picked 3, the calculation goes as follows: 3x2=6. 6+10=16. 16/2=8. 8-3=5. Half of 10 is also 5!

Impress your friends with the "Lucky Number 13" trick. This is a very fun trick based on the properties of multiplying by 9. The key is that the number the other person chooses must be between 1 and 10. Once they’ve picked a number, you will follow these steps:

1. Ask them to multiply their number by 9.
2. Then, add the first and second digits of the result together. If it’s a single-digit number (like 9), they add 0 to it.
3. Add 4 to the result.
4. Now it’s time to "guess" the answer. It will always be 13.
5. Your friend will start to wonder why the result is always the same.

• If they chose 3, the calculation is as follows: 3x9=27. 2+7=9. 9+4=13.

Add some flair to your performance. While performing the steps correctly is crucial, remember you’re putting on a magic show, and magic requires style. Perform with confidence and drama to keep the audience entertained.

• You don’t necessarily need to wear a magician’s outfit, but doing so can make you look like you have real mystical powers.

Some elements of magic tricks involve misdirection. Most tricks use unnecessary steps and information to distract the audience. The main goal of the tricks in this article is to make the participant perform a subtraction using the number they selected. Once there are no variables left, you gain full control over the calculation.

Identify characteristics and frequencies in mathematics. The reason the "Lucky Number 13" trick works is because multiplying 9 by numbers 1-10 follows a special, consistent pattern. In this case, each result (like 9, 18, 27, etc.) equals 9 when you add the digits together. Though this property only applies to multiplying by 9, it creates an interesting trick, especially when the participant quickly realizes the trick eliminates the original number they chose.

Remember that every answer relates to a constant in the calculation. Feel free to add as many addition or subtraction steps as you like, as long as they eliminate the number the participant has selected. For example, the trick "Answer equals 3" can be arranged to produce any result.

Try creating your own magic trick. Once you're comfortable with mathematical mind-reading tricks, you may come up with your own idea for a trick. While you could create a complex trick, it's best to start with simpler ones and gradually increase the difficulty. Beginners should try the "Answer equals 3" trick as a template and change the constant values to create new calculations. From there, you can develop fresh, creative ways to eliminate variables.

• Don't forget to work on improving your performance. People want to be entertained, and how you misdirect them with your skill is just as important as the trick itself!

• If you're performing in front of children, it's a good idea to have a calculator ready. Children may struggle with mental math, and incorrect answers from them can ruin the entire performance.
• A true magician never reveals their secrets, but if friends insist on knowing the truth, you can guide them to this article!
• Don't repeat the same trick for the same person.

• It's not advisable to attempt mind-reading on multiple people at once. Not only will this confuse things, but it will also ruin the fun and intrigue of the mind-reading trick.