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Bathematics Mystery Cache

Hidden : 10/3/2015
Difficulty:
5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This is my first hide! The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates, but is within walking distance. The posted coordinates take you to the University of Bath where you could learn about the mathematics below.


Set Theory is at the heart of Mathematics, it is used to prove and explain everything from basic integer addition to complicated calculus of several variables. Yet, despite this, Set Theory is rarely discussed in schools or sixth forms. Most people think of Maths as being impossible difficult but once you know the rules and notation, Set Theory is actually fairly simple, and is not dissimilar to the basic algebra taught in GCSE classes. 

I'm hoping that this cache will give a quick education in this massively important area of Mathematics. If you are already familiar with the notation and ideas, then you may find this a fairly easy challenge. However, if you are not familiar then I have made this a difficulty 5 because you will need to do some research before attempting it. 

To find the coordinates you will need to define a set S that obeys the rules below:

   Mathsisfun

The cache is hidden at:

N (x3+x4)(x2-x1) (x3+x1)(x2-x1).(x4+x4)(xn-1-xn-2+xn-4)(x6)

W (xn-xn)(xn-xn)(x3-x1) (x3+x1)(x1-x1).(x6+x2)(x4)(xn-2)

No multiplication is happening above, the brackets seperate individual integers.

If you want to check your answer or ask for another hint just message me and I'll respond as soon as I can. 

Or alternately you can check your answers for this puzzle on: GeoChecker.com.

The actual cache should be a pretty easy find. There is a lot of interesting history about the location, but obviously I can't describe it here without ruining the challenge. Once you get there I suggest you look into it. Have fun! I hope you enjoy it!

Congratulations to abanazar for a very speedy FTF!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Chmmyr: Vs lbh'er fgehttyvat whfg fgneg ol ybbxvat hc jung nyy gur flzobyf zrna, gura fgneg jvgu pyhr (ivvv).Pnpur: Onfr bs n gerr.

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)