Freshman Mathematics Mystery Cache
MattressGnome: I meant July, but the effect is the same. This one had a good run, but I'm making space for new caches. Thanks to all who found this.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
There is No Cache at the given coordinates!
The actual cache can be found by solving the following puzzle, which has to do with a math functions you might learn in a freshman mathematics class!
This is a very short off-set cache. Once you get to the final coords, you may want to read the hints to help you find the container.
This cache involves simple problems that one would solve in a Freshman Mathematics course, but arrayed in a peculiar fashion. The diagram below details the 'number cascade' that you will use to find the final coordinates. Starting with each number at the top of a column, move down that column performing the operations listed to find the answer. There are 3 rules to keep in mind.
Rule #1: A number will always follow a side path that it encounters, even if it places it higher on the adjacent column. As you traverse a side path, perform the listed operation.
Rule #2: A number will never move vertically up a column, only down it and along the side paths.
Rule #3: All operations are performed sequentially (serially), not in parallel.
Some of you may recognize this as an adaptation of the 'Follow the Pencil' game, which it is!
You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.
The cache container is about twice the size of a film canister, allowing micro geocoins but not much else. You may want to BYOP.
This is part of series of 9 'Freshman' caches on the Pennsylvania State University campus. As they are hidden on campus stealth will be required for any and all finds, but they are hidden in unique locations so minimal searching will be required once you've determined GZ. Please be mindful of your surroundings when finding and rehiding the container.
The Series:
Freshman Physics - GC28YB5
Freshman Biology - GC297PY
Freshman Mathematics - GC29KWZ
Freshman English - GC2KY5X
Freshman Music - GC2KY5Z
Freshman Chemistry - GC2KY69
Freshman Kinesiology - GC2KY5T
Freshman Art - GC2KY62
Freshman ??? - In Progress
Congrats to r.e.s.t.seekers for the FTF!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Hint #1] Gur Pnfpnqr ornef n irel ebhtu erfrzoynapr gb gur ybpngvba jurer gur pnpur vf uvqqra.
[Hint #2] Gur shapgvbaf ner nqqvgvba, fhogenpgvba, qvivfvba, zhygvcyvpngvba, ebbg shapgvba, rkcbaragf (jurer 'n' vf lbhe ahzore), snpgbevny naq angheny ybt.
[Hint #3] Zngu vf irel oynpx naq juvgr, ohg gur pnpur pbire vf fbzrjurer va orgjrra.