How Can You Take 2 from 5 and Leave 4?

It's simple math, really. If you take 2 from 5, that leaves 3. Then, if you take 1 from 3, that leaves 2. And finally, if you take 1 from 2, that leaves 1. So, in total, if you take 2 from 5 and leave 4, you end up with 4.

It's simple arithmetic: 5 - 2 = 3. Or, more accurately, 2 + 3 = 5.

In order to take 2 from 5 and leave 3, you would need to add 3 to 5. So, the answer is 3 + 5 = 8.

It's a puzzle, isn't it? How can taking two from five possibly leave two? But it can be done!

Here's how:

Start with five.

Take away two.

That leaves three.

Now take away two more.

That leaves just one.

And finally, take away that last one.

That leaves... two!

So, it is possible to take 2 from 5 and leave 2. Hope that helped clear things up!