NUMB3R THEORY Mystery Cache

There is an adage which holds: "numbers don't lie" ... except, if you're smart enough, you can sure make them obfusticate.  The following series of math puzzles will lead you to this cache without lying.  On the other hand, neither will they volunteer any answers which you don't earn.

Numbers -- for many of us -- are simply fun amusement.  However, there are some who are numerophobic (afraid of numbers) but even more who fear that they may not be able to solve a numeric problem.  To these latter, I'd like to offer the reassurance that none of the number puzzles here require a graduate degree (or even a high school diploma) to solve them.  Relax, have fun ... and happy caching.

Number Pyramid

There is a very simple rule to deduce here.  Once you figure it out, you should have no trouble filling in the missing numbers and, most importantly, assigning a value for A.

Prime Numbers

B = the first even prime number

Odd Numbers

C = the square root of the sum of the first five odd numbers

A Magic Square with Positive Numbers Only

This magic square uses the digits 1..9 (no repeats) and each row, column and diagonal has the same total.

Shades of St. Ives

John and Mary have three sons.  Each son has one sister.  The family has F members.

Trick Question

G = a ninety degree turn from infinity

Magic Square with Positive and Negative Numbers

Unlike the previous magic square, this one has both positive and negative numbers and they may repeat.  The total for each row, column and diagonal, however, remains the same.

Predictive Mind Reading for Numbers

(Yes, this is a trick but ...) 

Step 1: Select any positive integer (we recommend you keep it small so you can do calculations in your head but you may also use a calculator if you wish).

Step 2: Square the number you have selected

Step 3: Add the original number to the squared result

Step 4: Divide the result by the original number

Step 5: Add 17 to the result (17 is a nice prime number)

Step 6: Subtract your original number

Step 7: Divide the result by 6

The result will be an integer and, since I have read your mind predictively, this will also be the value for J.

If you have done your math correctly:

You should have ten digits, no repeats, to correspond to the letters A..J and these will allow you to convert the clue (following) into the appropriate coordinates to find this cache. (Bring your own pen)

Of course, if you have made a mistake ...

... ah weel, happy caching.

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

For a complete list of puzzle caches which have GeoChecker confirmation and to see the hit/miss result counts for each, go here.