Two Winchester astronomers were looking through
a telescope and observed an alien mathematics
class.
On the blackboard, the following equations were written:
13 + 15 = 31
10 x 10 = 100
6 x 3 = 24
One astronomer said to the other, "How many fingers do they have?"
What is the answer to that question? Explain.
Solution to Problem:
The answer is seven.
First, observe that seven numerals are used in the
equations:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
So I began with base seven and noticed that all three equations
were correct in that number system.
If the three equations had not worked in base 7, I would have
tried base 8, then base 9, ...
In base 7 In base 10 -------------- -------------- 13 + 15 = 31 ===> 10 + 12 = 22 10 x 10 = 100 ===> 7 x 7 = 49 6 x 3 = 24 ===> 6 x 3 = 18
Correctly solved by:
| 1. Vickie Francis | ----- |
| 2. Kirstine Wynn | Winchester, VA |
| 3. Chip Schweikarth | Winchester, VA |
| 4. Chad McDaniel | Winchester, VA |
| 5. Matthias | Switzerland |
| 6. George Gaither | Winchester, VA |
| 7. Tony Alteparmakian | Bakersfield, CA |
| 8. David Powell | Winchester, VA |
| 9. Tom Kelley | Winchester, VA |
| 10. Erin McGinnis | Winchester, VA |