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Fun With Quarters Mystery Cache

Hidden : 8/3/2009
Difficulty:
4.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is not at the posted coordinates. Solve the following problem to obtain the actual coordinates:

Start with two identical quarters (25 cent pieces), and call them quarter #1 and quarter #2. For the purposes of this puzzle, assume that both quarters have perfectly circular rims (no little grooves like real quarters have), and are two dimensional (have zero thickness). Place quarter #1 flat on a table, and keep it stationary for the rest of the puzzle.

Part 1:
Place quarter #2 on top of quarter #1 (covering it completely), and then slide it until exactly one half of quarter #1 is uncovered, and exactly one half remains covered. Let d equal the distance between the quarters' centers when this condition is met. Express d relative to the quarter's radius, that is, d = x times r. (Obviously, x is between 0 and 1.) Find x rounded to three decimal places. Add x to the posted North minutes to get the actual cache North coordinate.

Part 2:
Imagine two radius lines of quarter #1 such that the angle between them is x (from Part 1) radians. Place quarter #2 flat on the table such that it touches the rim of quarter #1 at the end of one of the radius lines. Roll quarter #2 along the rim of quarter #1 until it touches the end of the other radius line. No trick here, roll along the segment defined by the x radians angle, not the other one (2 Pi -x). Let y equal the angle quarter #2 has rotated around its own center, in radians. Consider y to be positive regardless of whether you rolled quarter #2 clockwise or counter-clockwise. Add y to the posted West minutes to get the actual West coordinate.

The cache contains two shiny Utah quarters as a prize for the First to Find.

Not many people know about this place. Cross the Bridge to Nowhere, and you will know where you are. Search during the daytime, since the area is gated and locked at night.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)