6*9=42

alphageek31337 · 08-13-2004, 12:25 AM

I know I haven't been around the old boards in a long, long time, and I doubt any of you would ever remember me (I wasn't all that interesting), but as I was flipping through my copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy I came across something that, if my math is correct, could be very interesting. Those of you who have read the book (Slartibartfast, I'm calling you out), remember that the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is 42, and this makes little sense until the discover the question, "What is 6 * 9?", at which point it makes no sense whatsoever. However, if you change the number base, you can actually make that a true equation. The values of 6 and 9 remain unchanged when converted from base 10 to base 13, however the value 42 in base 13 is, voila, 54 in base 10. So the question is, did Doug Adams intend this to be true, or was it supposed to be something ridiculous and, by pure chance, ended up a true equation?

Opinions appreciated

Steve

08-13-2004, 12:25 AM	#1
alphageek31337 Enemy Combatant/Evildoer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 263	*69=42** I know I haven't been around the old boards in a long, long time, and I doubt any of you would ever remember me (I wasn't all that interesting), but as I was flipping through my copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy I came across something that, if my math is correct, could be very interesting. Those of you who have read the book (Slartibartfast, I'm calling you out), remember that the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is 42, and this makes little sense until the discover the question, "What is 6 * 9?", at which point it makes no sense whatsoever. However, if you change the number base, you can actually make that a true equation. The values of 6 and 9 remain unchanged when converted from base 10 to base 13, however the value 42 in base 13 is, voila, 54 in base 10. So the question is, did Doug Adams intend this to be true, or was it supposed to be something ridiculous and, by pure chance, ended up a true equation? Opinions appreciated Steve __________________ The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. ---Friedrich Nietzsche

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