Missing Dollar Paradox

The so-called missing dollar paradox is a puzzle which seems at first glance to violate the laws of mathematics. In fact the story is neither a genuine paradox (since there no inherent contradiction once the solution is discovered) nor a mathematical puzzle (since it relies on trickery to achieve its effect).

Another, prior explanation

The ladies initially paid $10 each, $30 in total.

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$10 x 3 (ladies) = $30 in total

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They were each given $1 back.

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$3 (from the $5 change) divided by 3 = $1 each

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Hence, they each paid a net $9.

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$10 - $1 = $9

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That means they paid a total of $27.

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$9 x 3 (ladies) = $27

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$2 of that $27 was taken by the waiter. They paid their bill of $25 and unwittingly gave him $2. $25 + $2 = $27

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Therefore, there is no missing dollar.

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