Akiva's Mad Math Multicache Mystery Cache
El Fartero: We've decided to let this one go, and start over with a new cache in the Spring. Thanks to all who searched and for the very entertaining logs!
Akiva's Mad Math Multicache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Akiva is proud to offer this multistage puzzle to challenge his fellow numerophillic Geocachers! Over 3 years in preparation, this cache features math problems taken from the Grade 3 Brain Quest Math Edition. We estimate you'll spend 2-3 enjoyable hours completing this assignment, though less time will be needed if you bring your favorite 3d grader along to help you through! In the process you'll explore New Island, which makes its Geocaching debut as host of this adventure. Akiva has generously stocked his cache with all sorts of goodies he was reluctant to part with, including (if you can handle any more of this) a set of Subtraction Flash Cards!
Be sure to bring a printout of this page along on your search! The coordinates listed above will take you to the first stage. Here you'll find the first set of 7 problems to solve. Then follow the instructions below to determine the coordinates to find the 2nd stage, where there'll be more problems to test your math skills. The solutions to these problems, applied to the instructions below, will enable you to proceed on to stage 3. Continue in this manner and the cache--and mathematical glory--will be yours! Peaks, copies, and perhaps even cheats, are permitted.
Please use the following key in determining the coordinates for each stage, using the instructions provided:
N= 42--AB.CDE
W=075--FG.HIJ
FOR STAGE 2:
A=(Answer to Problem 1) - 3
B=Whole number part of answer to Prob. 4
C=(Answer to prob 7) - 5
DE=(Ans. to Prob 3) + 17
F=(Ans. to Prob 2) - 1/2
G=(Ans. to Prob 5) -(2 1/2)
HIJ=(Ans. to Prob 6) - 215
FOR STAGE 3:
A=(No. of letters in answer to Prob 1) - 1
B=(Numerator of Prob 2) + 5
C=Prob. 6
DE=(Question 5) - 1896
F=Prob. 6
G=(no. of letter in units to answer for Prob. 4) divided by 3
HIJ=(Prob 5) - (Prob 7) - 1723
FOR STAGE 4:
A= Qn 1--Use 2 if you selected Choice 1, use 1 if you selected Choice 2
B=(no. of letters in answer to Prob. 2) - 2
C=(Question 3) - 20
DE=(Question 4) divided by 3
F=(No. of Horses in Qn. 5) - 3
G= (No. of Men in Qn. 5)
H=Problem 6--Use 8 if you selected Choice 1, use 9 if you selected Choice 2
IJ= Numerical part of answer to Prob 7
FOR THE CACHE!
AB=((Ans. to Prob 1) - 6) divided by 4
C=(No of letters in answer to Prob. 2) + 3
D=For Prob 4--Use 7 if meters, 6 if centimeters, 5 if kilometers
E=Take the numerical place in alphabet of the 1st letter in the answer to Prob. 5
FG=Reverse the digits in answer to Prob 3, then subtract 1
HI=Add 58 to the numerical place in the alphabet of the missing letter in the series in Quesion 7.
J= (Middle digit of answer to Prob. 6) - 4
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HOW TO GET TO NEW ISLAND: Take the entrance ramp to I88 Eastbound from Lettis Highway in Oneonta. Drive slowly on the ramp, because you DON'T want to get on the highway! When the guardrail ends on your right, make a right turn to enter New Island, park your car, and start your adventure! Cache can be done on foot, or by mountain bike.
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Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgntr 1: Ohfurq nyernql?
Fgntr 2: Pebgpu bs gev-gehaxrq gerr...PURPXFHZ: A=26, J=29
Fgntr 3: Haqre gur AJ pbeare...PURPXFHZ: A=17, J=20
Fgntr 4: "L" dhvg abj!! PUNRPXFHZ: A=19, J=23
PNPUR: Onex hc gur evtug Ybpx&Ybpx...PURPXFHZ: A=38, J=26