Key to understanding the math trick

This is the key to the math trick. It is algebra, so if you are 11 or younger, consult with an older sibling or adult to figure it out :÷).

1. The "think of a number" step is represented by the variable "x". x is the number you thought of throughout this key.

2. When you add 2, that comes to, of course,  x+2, or "the number you thought of plus two."

3. When you multiply by 3, you multiply the whole problem by 3. It would then look like this:
  x(3)+2(3) or 3x+6. That is, "the number you thought of times 3 plus 6."

4. When you subtract 5, the problem becomes 3x+6-5 or 3x+1.

5. Then when you add 8, you are simply doing the same thing as in step two, with a different number.
The problem becomes: 3x+1+8 or 3x+9.

6. When you divide by 3, you are dividing the whole problem by 3, thus undoing the effects of step 3.
The problem then looks like this: 3x+9(÷3) or x+3

7.  The subtract 1 step is merely removing 1 so that you can get 2 as your answer. The problem looks like this: x+3-1 or x+2

8. The "subtract the number you first thought of" step removes x, or, "the number you first thought of". You are then left with 2.

'Phew! That's a lot of typing! I hope you now understand.

Adios,
Haydn