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Math Whiz #1: Why? Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

JWCOREY: Nature has taken its course. Time to retire this one.

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Hidden : 9/6/2010
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


This is a mystery cache. The final cache is within two miles of the listed coordinates. You must solve five math problems to determine the coordinates of the final cache. These problems require only high school knowledge to solve. If you are not a math whiz, find someone who is and challenge them with these problems. We encourage teamwork. This cache may be difficult in the winter if there is more than 2 or 3 feet of snow on the ground.







  • Determining a, b, c, and d is simple arithmetic, but with a fun little twist.
  • Determining x is a fundamental question in economics.
  • Finding y is what will ultimately get you signing the log. This is the toughest nut to crack for most people since you must "reason" about an infinite sequence.
  • Finding the value of z is a straightforward geometry problem. It may have you dusting off some brain cells, doing a little geometry research or soliciting help from your favorite math whiz.

North:
42
z + d - b - y
z - x + b + a

West:
071
y - a - x - (c * d)
c * (y + z)

Once you solve the four different math problems above you can calculate the coordinates for a stage 1 micro within walking distance of the final cache. This micro-cache contains one last math problem that you will have to do to determine the coordinates for the final cache. It can be done in the field with some clear thinking, or you can go home, compute it with some brute force and come back another time.


You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.

There is a Puzzle Cache Icon Geocoin (unregisterred) as a prize for the FTF. Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Obgu pnpurf ner jvagre sevraqyl, ohg lbh arrq gb svther bhg jul.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)