The actual cache coordinates are within 1 mile of the posted coordinates. I strongly suggest that you confirm the coordinates before heading out to find this one!
A brilliant mathematician died and discovered himself at the Pearly Gates. Before him were Saint Peter, Gauss, and Newton.
"You led a somewhat sinful life," said Saint Peter. "Ordinarily, we would send you to Purgatory to atone for your sins. However, these two fine gentlemen have intervened on your behalf, so you have a chance to enter Heaven immediately."
"We agreed that all you must do is solve a simple algebra problem correctly," said Newton. "If you can do so on the first try, you may enter Heaven with us. If you do not..." The implication hung heavy in the air.
"Here is the problem," said Gauss. "Given the following product:"
F(x) = (x-a)(x-b)(x-c) ... (x-z)
"Give us the value of F(x) for x=47, when a=1, b=2, c=3, etc."
The mathematician thought for a while, madly doing calculations in his head. Then a smile spread across his face, and he answered.
He went directly to Heaven.
To find the cache, you must solve the same problem. The coordinates are:
N 37 48.000 - ABC, W 122 03.000 + DEF,
Where ABC are the digits 31-33 and DEF are digits 3-5 of the answer, written out to 40 digits, where the most significant digit is digit 1.
Credit for the container and its contents belongs to kusanagi, who generously donated it to me. The cache is full of light-generating items, mainly flashlights. Very nice ones. It is well worth the trip!
Have fun! This problem should be solvable for anyone with high-school algebra skills. Feel free to verify your coordinates with me before heading out to search for the cache.
Please do not leave trackable items, including coins and travel bugs, in this cache. If you do, they will be marked as missing as soon as I see them. This cache does not receive frequent visits and is a poor place for trackable items.
NEW! At long last, a Certitude checker!