November 16, 1998
Problem of the Month

Strange Days



The last time it happened was on July 14, 1998.

It will happen for the first time in the new millennium on January 1, 2001; again on January 2, 2002; and yet again on February 1, 2002.

What is "it" and what are the two dates left in this century on which "it" occurs?



Solution to the Problem:

Rewriting the dates with slashes, the MULTIPLICATION DAYS form a multiplication equation.

7/14/98 ==> 7 x 14 = 98
1/1/01 ==> 1 x 1 = 1
1/2/02 ==> 1 x 2 = 2
2/1/02 ==> 2 x 1 = 2

So the last two dates in this century are:
9/11/99 ==> 9 x 11 = 99
11/9/99 ==> 11 x 9 = 99




Correctly solved by:

1. Elizabeth Pleacher Cotter Centreville, VA
2. Paul Carpenter Winchester, VA
3. Barrett Waybright Winchester, VA


Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher