Tag: Math

The first question was, “Without using numbers, represent the number 9.”

Boudreaux says, “Dat’s easy,” and proceeds to draw three trees.

The boss says, “What the hell is that?”

Boudreaux says, “Tree’ n tree’ n tree makes nine.”

“Fair enough,” says the boss. “Second question, same rules, but represent 99.”

Boudreaux stares into space for a while, then makes a smudge on each tree. “Der ya go sir,” he says.

The boss scratches his head and asks, “How on earth do you get that to represent 99?”

Boudreaux answers, “Each tree is dirty now, so it’s dirty tree’ n dirty tree’ n dirty tree – dat’s 99.”

The boss is getting worried he’s going to have to hire Boudreaux so he says, “All right, question number 3. Same rules again, but this time represent the number 100.”

Boudreaux stares into space again, then he shouts, “I got it!” He makes a little mark at the base of each tree and says, “Der ya go sir – 100.”

The boss looks at Boudreaux’s attempt and thinks, “Ha! Got him this time.” He then tells Boudreaux, “Go on Boudreaux, you must be crazy if you think that represents a hundred!”

Boudreaux leans forward and points to the little marks at the tree bases and says, “A little dog comes along and craps by each tree, so now ya got dirty tree an’ a turd, dirty tree an’ a turd, and dirty tree an’ a turd, which makes 100. When do I start my job?”