How do you divide up a bill between friends without getting into trouble?

Sharing the bill at a restaurant with friends can sometimes be a real headache, especially when each person's consumption varies. How can you ensure that everyone pays their fair share without complicating the calculations? Here are a few mathematical tips to simplify the task and ensure a fair distribution.

1. Dividing the bill into equal parts: the simple but sometimes unfair method

‍Whenis it appropriate to split the bill into equal parts?

The most common solution is to divide the bill equally, i.e. each guest pays the same amount, regardless of what they have consumed. This method is quick and simple, but it can be perceived as unfair if some people have consumed much more or much less than others.

Example: If the total bill is €200 for 5 people, each person pays €40. However, if one of the guests only consumed €20 while another spent €60, this is not a fair distribution.

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2. Calculate individual share based on actual consumption

How can we ensure that everyone pays for what they consume?

For a fairer distribution, we recommend that everyone pays according to their actual consumption. This implies that each person notes the amount of their own consumption and pays this sum.

Steps to follow :

1. Each guest writes down the cost of his or her meals, drinks, desserts and so on.
2. Add up all individual consumptions to check that they correspond to the total bill.
3. Everyone pays the amount they've consumed, plus their share of any joint expenses (e.g. tips).

This method ensures that everyone pays exactly what they owe, but it can be tedious, especially for large groups.

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3. Use addition-sharing applications

What applications can make it easier to share the bill?

To simplify the process, there are mobile applications designed to split the bill fairly. These tools allow you to enter each person's consumption and automatically calculate each guest's share.

Advantages :

• Time-saving: No need for manual calculations.
• Accuracy: Exact distribution according to consumption.
• Transparency: Everyone can see the details of their share.

Application examples:

• Tricount: Allows you to allocate common expenses and calculate who owes how much to whom.
• Splitwise: Ideal for managing shared expenses, especially when dining out.

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4. Take into account specific consumption patterns

How can we manage differences in consumption, especially of alcoholic beverages?

Some guests may eat more expensive dishes or drink alcoholic beverages, while others may settle for less expensive dishes or not drink alcohol at all. To avoid frustration, it's important to take these differences into account when splitting the bill.

Advice :

• Separate specific consumption: For example, alcoholic beverages can be billed separately and paid for only by those who consume them.
• Inform the waiter in advance: Ask for separate bills for food and beverages, making it easier to divide them up at checkout.
• Communicate in advance: Before you order, discuss with friends how you'd like to split the bill, especially if you know the drinks will be uneven.

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5. Mathematical tricks to simplify addition sharing

How can divisible numbers be used to simplify calculations?

Certain mathematical tricks can make it easier to divide the addition, notably by using the properties of divisible numbers.

1. Identify amounts that are easy to divide

If the total amount of the bill is a multiple of 2, 5, 10 or 20, the division becomes simpler between several people.

Examples:

• Numbers divisible by 2: If the bill is €48, it can easily be shared between 2, 4, 6 or 8 people.
• Numbers divisible by 5 or 10: A bill of €100 is easily shared by 2, 5 or 10 people without decimals.

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2. Make the division fairer by rounding off the amounts

If you have to divide an odd amount, adjust slightly to facilitate the division:

• If the bill is €97 for 3 people, round up to €96 (i.e. €32 each) and leave €1 for a tip.
• If it's €213 for 7 people, adjust to €210 (i.e. €30 each).

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3. Managing more and less expensive dishes

In one group, some people ordered more expensive dishes. Here's a quick mathematical method for adjusting without calculating each dish individually:

1. Identify those who have eaten the most expensive dishes (example: two people have eaten dishes costing €30 each).
2. Calculate an adjusted distribution :
   • Total bill = €150 for 5 people.
   • Average per person = €30.
   • Those with more expensive dishes pay €35, others €28.

This approach ensures a fair distribution without complex calculations.

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Conclusion

Sharing a restaurant bill fairly requires good communication and, sometimes, the use of appropriate tools. Whether you choose to divide equally, pay according to actual consumption or use mathematical tricks, the important thing is to find a method that works for everyone.

By applying these mathematical principles, you'll be able to settle your sums quickly, fairly and without complications.

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