mystery discount

(I first posted this puzzle in 2009.  You all have gotten better at math since then right?)

So these three guys go have lunch together and order the same item.  Everybody puts in $10.00 and gives it to the waiter.  He goes back to the cash register with the $30.00 and the manager tells him, "Oh, there is a special today their bill will only be $25 so give them $5.00 back.

Now the waiter is thinking $5.00 split three ways will be a problem so he pockets $2 and gives each customer $1.00.

So to summarize:

Each of the customers (3) paid $9.00 = subtotal $27.00

The waiter has $2.00 in his pocket

grand total $27 + $2 = $29

Where did the missing dollar go?

I think Bernie Madoff got it.

I wonder if Bernie used this type of accounting on those statements he gave out to his clients sucker victims.

My dad loved to tell this puzzle.  I think he really liked my reaction because in high school I really enjoyed math and started taking courses he never had.  He enjoyed the frustration the puzzle gave me.  He also enjoyed beating me in cribbage and counting the points faster than I could.

One problem with this puzzle today is finding a $10.00 lunch at a restaurant with a waiter.  That's harder than finding the missing dollar.  So here's an updated version with even more money missing:

3 guys stop in a coffee shop and order the same drink.  As in the other version, they each give the waiter $10.  As the waiter enters the items, he discovers the menu didn't show the new discounted prices and the total comes out to $23.00.  Like in the other story, he doesn't want the confusion of dividing the change and decides to take a little.  He pockets $1.00 and gives each customer $2.00.

Let's summarize:

3 guys paid $8 each = subtotal $24.00

waiter has $1 in his pocket

grand total $24 + $1 = $25

Now we are missing $5.00 and who's on first.

Maybe I could get an accounting job.  Oh have you done your taxes yet?

(if you are really wanting to know I'll put an answer in the comments later - so check back)