A Brain Teaser

Succinct in my middle name Nina

To be fair it was my brain teaser so I ought to know the answer. And I thought Pedants' Corner is not just about language related topics.

And the prize goes to Aka that's what DH said but not so succinctly.

I have seen other conundrums like this. They depend on getting the change mixed up with the money spent, if the figures are similar then the reader doesn't notice the misdirection.

Half of 97 is £48.50

So if you hand each parent back £1 that is £49.50 each.

They each lent £50 so take away the £49.50 and that is 50p each.

Twice 50p is £1, which you kept.

I understand it, but it would take a while to explain.

DH has worked it out. But he's no good at explaining

They charged you interest

I worked it out, Miss!

The taxman, he seems to get any spare cash