Or "Think of another number". This cache is the second in the 'Think of a Number' series of mathematically-themed puzzles. Each cache presents its coordinates as an offset from the previous cache in the series, so to find one, you will also need to have solved the original, TOAN#1.
- Think of a number and call it N.
- Write N backwards to give P.
- Take N away from P and ignore the sign, this is Q.
- Write Q backwards to give R.
- Add Q and R to give S.
Now if you have chosen N wisely, S will be an interesting and (as far as this cache is concerned) useful number.
S has some interesting properties, all associated with words beginning with the letter 's':
- S's first 9 multiples give a pleasing pattern.
- S is a polygonal number.
- S is particularly useful for readers of an African Language.
- S has significance to those who like to talk about games.
To find the cache:
- Find T, where S is the T-th polygonal number, mentioned above.
So, for example, if S were the 4th such polygonal number (it isn't) then T=4.
- Take the last 3 digits of the 2nd multiple of S, call them U.
- Start at the solution* to TOAN#1.
- Move T thousandths South followed by T + U thousandths West.
There are micro certificates for the first 9 finders.
My thanks to IceColdUK for being my Cache Test Dummy, and of course for setting the original TOAN.
* For the avoidance of doubt be sure to use the solution to the puzzle not the "Better coords for the cache" given in Geocheck.
[Puzzle:] A orgjrra P naq Z
[Cache:] Onfr bs gerr oruvaq vil fgrz. [Be careful of barbed wire.]