Long Multiplication
I learned how to do long multiplication, when I was in primary
school. It isn't difficult, all you need is to know your "times
table" and to be able to add. But it's a vanishing skill, in these
days of calculators and spreadsheets.
You won't be able to use calculators and spreadsheets for this
one.
Multiply pi (the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a
circle) by e (the base of natural logarithms). Both pi and e are
"magic numbers", they turn up in all sorts of unexpected places.
You should get the answer 8.539734....
But you'll need to do this calculation to rather a lot of
decimal places.
The most beautiful equation of mathematics
Just to brighten up your day, here's one of the most beautiful
equations of mathematics: e i*pi + 1 = 0, where e and pi
are as above, and i is the square root of -1.
Meanwhile, back at the cache ...
For the first stage of this cache, go to:
N 51° ab.c(d+1)e
W 0° f(g-2).hjk
In the above formula, a is the 38th digit after the decimal
point in the calculation you just made, b is the 32nd, c is the
35th, d is the 37th, e is the 31st.
f is the 44th, g is the 33rd, h is the 36th, j is the 27th and k
is the 33rd.
Actually, you should be able to guess a, b, f and g using the
usual geocacher's common sense, and that will give you a
cross-check on whether you've got your sums right. Here's another
cross-check. The sum of the digits a to k, is 49. And if your
answer passes both those tests, you can use geochecker to make sure
you have it spot on.
You'll be glad to hear that the other stages of this cache
aren't so demanding on your arithmetic skills, but you will need a
scientific calculator, or a phonable friend with a spreadsheet.
You should wear good waterproof boots or wellies, depending on
how wet it's been recently.
The initial cash float (in an ammo box) is a bunch of
non-British coins, and some obsolete British. And there's a huge
cornucopia of Geocoins
There's Certificates for your trophy cabinet, for FTF, STF and
TFT
You can check your answers for this puzzle on
Geochecker.com.
FTF is Amberel
STF is Bob Smith and Bones1