hardmath

Take 9 from 6, 10 from 9, 50 from 40 and leave 6.

SIX - 9 (IX) = S 9 (IX) - 10 (X) = I 40 (XL) - 50 (L) = X => SIX

Why this works

This riddle plays on Roman numerals and their subtraction. When you "take 9 from 6," you are subtracting IX (which is 9 in Roman numerals) from VI (which is 6), leaving you with the letter S. Next, "10 from 9" means you subtract X (10) from IX (9), resulting in I. Finally, when you "take 50 from 40," you subtract L (50) from XL (40), which gives you X. When you put all these results together—S, I, and X—you cleverly get the word "SIX." It's a fun twist that combines math with wordplay!

Common Wrong Answers

“NINE”

The riddle involves taking specific Roman numerals from others, and the result is not related to the number nine but rather spells out 'SIX'.

“FOUR”

The operations in the riddle do not support arriving at the number four; the calculations point specifically to the letters that form the word 'SIX'.

“TEN”

While the number ten is mentioned in the riddle, the final answer is derived from a different set of operations that lead to 'SIX', not 'TEN'.

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