The Most Common Mistake: The 5000 Trap
If you got 5000, you’re not alone. This mistake happens because of the way our brains naturally group numbers.
Most people see four 1000s in the sequence and instinctively think:
1000 × 4 = 4000
Then, they quickly add the smaller numbers:
4000 + 40 + 30 + 20 + 10 = 5000 (which is incorrect!)
But the problem isn’t structured that way. Let’s go step by step and solve it correctly.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Finding the Correct Answer
Let’s carefully add each number to ensure accuracy.
Step 1: Start with 1000
1000
Step 2: Add 40
1000 + 40 = 1040
Step 3: Add another 1000
1040 + 1000 = 2040
Step 4: Add 30
2040 + 30 = 2070
Step 5: Add another 1000
2070 + 1000 = 3070
Step 6: Add 20
3070 + 20 = 3090
Step 7: Add another 1000
3090 + 1000 = 4090
Step 8: Add 10
4090 + 10 = 4100