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#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice)

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#2935
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 23/03/2007 21:36:28

RobMagus
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So I finally gave up with math and just got out a calculator and went through all the digits, starting with one, until I got something that worked. The method I used was:

Spoiler: (highlight to read)


1. take n and square it to get m
- if m isn't divisible by three, start over with the next n
2. multiply m by 3/4 to get a
- if a isn't a cube, start over with the next n
3. if everything's worked so far, m is an acceptable answer



The answer I got using the method turned out to be incorrect when I tried it, and I don't know why. The only thing I can think of is that I missed some n somewhere along the line.

Help?

EDIT:
Oh cripes, this method -does- work! I just scribbled the answer incorrectly onto my sheet of paper so that when I was inputting it later I got it wrong. Accordingly, I have spoilered the method.
#3631
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 02/04/2007 11:51:09

Caprakan
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Following on from the above hint, you can find the answer in Excel using the following formulae:

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

Enter consecutive values for n in column A. Then, in each subsequent column entre the following formulae: B =A1^2 C =B1/3 D =C1*3/4 E =D1^(1/3)

Now look for an integer in column E to find the solution in column C. !



Edited so it actually works!! Like, Duh! I think I'll go and hang my head in shame!!!
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#3636
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 02/04/2007 13:05:06

Ravenstorm
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Caprakan wrote:

Following on from the above hint, you can find the answer in Excel using the following formulae:

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

If column a contains consecutive values for n, then column B contains the formula =A1^2 to return value m. Column C contains =B1*3/4 to give the value of a and, to check for a cube, in column D enter =C1^(1/3). Where there is an integer in column D, the answer is in column B. Simple!!



Really! Confused the heck out of me. I preferred the old pencil and paper method. At least I knew what I was doing with that.
Gravity is a myth. The Earth sucks.
#3661
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 02/04/2007 21:15:10

Caprakan
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It's tricky to explain. PM me if you want help understanding it.
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#3672
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 03/04/2007 06:46:13

martynpie
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Caprakan wrote:

Following on from the above hint, you can find the answer in Excel using the following formulae:

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

If column a contains consecutive values for n, then column B contains the formula =A1^2 to return value m. Column C contains =B1*3/4 to give the value of a and, to check for a cube, in column D enter =C1^(1/3). Where there is an integer in column D, the answer is in column B. Simple!!



That's exactly how I did - that one was really satisfying
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#3678
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 03/04/2007 10:00:04

ipfreely
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Anyone here do this puzzle without a calculator, excel etc? I somehow did!

Here's my attempt at an explanation for those who still need one:

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

3/4 times the original number must be a multiple of 3, so the cube number must be a multiple of 3; and for it to be the least number, a multiple of 3 ONLY. The square number must have an even number of each factor (otherwise it can't be a square number); this means that the cube number must have an even number of factors. You should be able to work it out from here.


I hope this helps those who are still struggling.
#3944
Re: #135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 09/04/2007 14:57:49

stamford13
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gnetikflop wrote:

Any possible relation then to Wendy Maker, the dead lady mentioned on the back of the card? To early to speculate?

Very possibly which is why she (the newsreader)
retched.
I've been trying for ages. (it doesn't help that my calculator keeps getting moved around the house

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

But I've only just noticed the fact that 3/4 is a cube that STAYED.
From that the answer should be 54x54.


Hope that helps
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#4593
Re: #135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 21/04/2007 14:01:09

sloth007
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The working backwards technique worked for me.

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

"If a quarter strayed, still a cube will have stayed."
I made a list of the first few cube numbers
Then in turn I divided each cube by 3 (disregarding those that are not divisible by 3) and added the result (the quarter that strayed) to the cube itself (i.e. 4 quarters). This gave me a possible answer.

"They numbered one third of a square"
To check if this answer was 'one third of a square' I multiplied it by 3 and checked that the result was a square number by finding its root with a calculator.


I only had to try 3 cubes to find the correct one.

"Out on a limb!"
#4841
Re: #135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 25/04/2007 00:39:42

derricks
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I did this with a spreadsheet, and at first it didn't work because I didn't go far enough.

Spoiler: (highlight to read)

I looked for cubes by adding a column that calculated the cube root , which will be a whole number if the starting number was a cube. Use =N^1/3 to get the cube root of N, if you're using Excel (and probably most other spreadsheets).

(Spoilered by Rotek, just in case.)

#7702
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 19/07/2007 19:05:18

pawn
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i need two things it may sound stupiud but.. i need the id code because i accidently scratched off some of it i think its.
jktlnn2ncren? is that right and this is a very easy one to overcomplicate read it VERY carfully
#7710
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 20/07/2007 07:11:32

Jezza
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pawn wrote:

i need two things it may sound stupiud but.. i need the id code because i accidently scratched off some of it i think its.
jktlnn2ncren? is that right and this is a very easy one to overcomplicate read it VERY carfully


Sorry, but the code is individual to your particular card. It is unique.
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#7712
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 20/07/2007 08:23:55

Ravenstorm
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pawn wrote:

i need two things it may sound stupiud but.. i need the id code because i accidently scratched off some of it i think its.
jktlnn2ncren? is that right and this is a very easy one to overcomplicate read it VERY carfully


You could try emailing MC. They should be able to help.
Gravity is a myth. The Earth sucks.
#8902
#135 - Cats of Harbin (blue dice) 04/11/2007 16:48:52

4folio77dan
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looks like blue is where i reach my iq limit

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