Think of a number.

Add 7.
Double the result.
Subtract 8.
Double the result.
Add 12.
Divide by 4.
Subtract 6.
Your answer will be the original number. Explain how this trick works.

Think of a number.... x

Add 7.... x+7
Double the result..... 2x+14
Subtract 8....2x+6
Double the result.... 4x + 12
Add 12. 4x + 24
Divide by 4.... x + 6
Subtract 6.... x

6

This trick is a mathematical puzzle that uses a series of operations to lead you to the original number you started with. Let's break it down step by step to understand how it works:

1. Think of a number: You begin by choosing any number in your mind.

2. Add 7: The first operation is to add 7 to the number you thought of.

3. Double the result: Next, you multiply the sum of step 2 by 2.

4. Subtract 8: After doubling the result in step 3, you subtract 8 from it.

5. Double the result: Now, you take the outcome of step 4 and multiply it by 2 again.

6. Add 12: After doubling the previous result, you add 12 to it.

7. Divide by 4: In this step, you divide the sum from step 6 by 4.

8. Subtract 6: Finally, you subtract 6 from the previous division result.

The crucial part of this trick is the combination of arithmetic operations used. By following these steps, you ultimately obtain the original number you initially thought of:

Let's use a variable "x" to represent the original number you thought of.

Starting with x, let's follow the steps:

1. x + 7
2. 2(x + 7) = 2x + 14
3. 2x + 14 - 8 = 2x + 6
4. 2(2x + 6) = 4x + 12
5. 4x + 12 + 12 = 4x + 24
6. (4x + 24)/4 = x + 6
7. x + 6 - 6 = x

As you can see, at the end of these steps, the final result is the original number x. The operations in this trick are designed in such a way that they cancel each other out and bring you back to the number you initially thought of.

Your subject is math.