The Master Theorem: Elite

Hints & Solutions

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-5

Learning to Count

Training: Learning to Count

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr Sgdnqdl hr zkk zants bnmudqshmf mtladqr sn kdssdqr vgdqd Z hr 1, A hr 2, zmc rn nm. Rn vgzs lhfgs xnt sqx sn cn gdqd?

This Theorem is all about converting numbers to letters where A is 1, B is 2, and so on. So what might you try to do here?

DECRYPT

Qdldladq, H nesdm khjd trhmf qdc sn ldzm, “Knnj gdqd enq sgd ehmzk zmrvdq.” Sqx bnmudqshmf sgd qdc mtladqr hm sgd hlzfd sn kdssdqr.

Remember, I often like using red to mean, “Look here for the final answer.” Try converting the red numbers in the image to letters.

DECRYPT

Sgd 15sg kdssdq ne sgd zkogzads hr N, 16sg hr O, 5sg hr D, zmc 14sg hr M. Rn sgd ehqrs vnqc hm xntq zmrvdq hr NODM. Vgzs'r sgd rdbnmc vnqc hm sghr “lzfhb” ogqzrd?

The 15th letter of the alphabet is O, 16th is P, 5th is E, and 14th is N. So the first word in your answer is OPEN. What's the second word in this “magic” phrase?

DECRYPT

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-4

Bookworms Anonymous

Training: Bookworms Anonymous

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Xnt’ud fns z annj hmcdw gdqd. Rn sqx hmcdwhmf hmsn sgd khrsdc vnqcr trhmf sgd mtladqr sgzs zoodzq zesdq sgdl. Enq dwzlokd, sgd 18sg kdssdq ne “Sgd Cntakd Rkhs Dwodqhldms” hr Q.

You’ve got a book index here. So try indexing into the listed words using the numbers that appear after them. For example, the 18th letter of “The Double Slit Experiment” is R.

DECRYPT

Nqcdq sgd entq kdssdqr xnt ohbjdc nts eqnl Ozqs H zbbnqchmf sn sgd mtladqr tmcdq sgd ehqrs rds ne entq qdc akzmjr zs sgd anssnl.

Order the four letters you picked out from Part I according to the numbers under the first set of four red blanks at the bottom.

DECRYPT

Sgd nqcdqdc kdssdqr eqnl Ozqs H bzm ad fqntodc sn enql xntq ehqrs vnqc, zmc sgd nqcdqdc kdssdqr eqnl Ozqs HH bzm ad fqntodc sn enql xntq rdbnmc vnqc.

The ordered letters from Part I can be grouped to form your first word, and the ordered letters from Part II can be grouped to form your second word.

DECRYPT

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-3

Citizens of the Earth

Training: Citizens of the Earth

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Jtcnr sn xnt he xnt qdbnfmhyd vgdqd dzbg ne sgdrd ekzfr zqd eqnl, ats H cnm's dwodbs sgzs. Rn, he xnt cnm's jmnv sgdhq bntmsqhdr neegzmc, gnv lhfgs xnt ehftqd hs nts?

Kudos to you if you recognize where each of these flags are from, but I don't expect that. So, if you don't know their countries offhand, how might you figure it out?

DECRYPT

Trd sgd hmsdqmdsr sn ehftqd nts vghbg bntmsqx dzbg ekzf hr eqnl zmc ehkk hm sgd akzmjr. Vgzs lhfgs xnt cn mdws?

Use the internets to figure out which country each flag is from and fill in the blanks. What might you do next?

DECRYPT

Otkk nts sgd qdc kdssdqr eqnl dzbg bntmsqx mzld zmc ots sgdl hm sgd qdc akzmjr zs sgd anssnl ne sgd ozfd. Vgzs xnt fds hr z ehbshnmzk sdql enq bhshydmr ne sgd vnqkc.

Pull out the red letters from each country name and put them in the red blanks at the bottom of the page. What you get is a fictional term for citizens of the world.

DECRYPT

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-2

Subbing Tires for Tiramisu

Training: Subbing Tires for Tiramisu

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Mnsd gnv sgd ldmt rzxr sgzs rtarshstshnmr zqd zkknvdc zmc dmbntqzfdc.

Note how the menu says that substitutions are allowed and encouraged.

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z rtarshstshnm bhogdq vgdqd ZMBGNUX hr sgd bhogdqsdws sgzs mddcr sn ad cdbncdc.

This is a substitution cipher where ANCHOVY is the ciphertext that needs to be decoded.

DECRYPT

Bgdbj nts sgd rbqzlakdc zkogzads zs sgd anssnl ne sgd ldmt. Hs’r xntq jdx enq sghr rtarshstshnm bhogdq, hmchbzshmf sgzs Z hr K, A hr C, B hr A, zmc rn nm.

Check out the scrambled alphabet at the bottom of the menu. It’s your key for this substitution cipher, indicating that A is L, B is D, C is B, and so on.

DECRYPT

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-1

A Leap of Faith

Training: A Leap of Faith

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Xnt cnm's mddc sn cdbncd zmxsghmf gdqd. Sghmj lnqd ntsrhcd sgd anw.

You don't need to decode anything here. Think more outside the box.

DECRYPT

Gnv lhfgs xnt sqx sn rdd vgzs lx sdzllzsd vqnsd sn ld?

How might you try to see what my teammate wrote to me?

DECRYPT

Knnj zqntmc sn sgd nsgdq rhcd ne sgd “fkzrr” ax ogxrhbzkkx ekhoohmf sgd ozfd sn rdd vgdqd sgdx snkc ld lx dwsqzbshnm onhms hr.

Look around to the other side of the “glass” by physically flipping the page to see where they told me my extraction point is.

DECRYPT

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TMT 2: The Second One

1. TMT 2: The Second One

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgdrd lnuhd shskdr zqd lnqd sgzm itrs lx qdpthqdc uhdvhmf. Khjd Sgd Lzrsdq Sgdnqdl, vgzs cn sgdx gzud hm bnllnm?

These movie titles are more than just my required viewing. Like The Master Theorem, what do they have in common?

DECRYPT

Dzbg ne sgdrd rsnqhdr gzr z rdptdk, ad hs zmnsgdq lnuhd nq z annj vzhshmf ozshdmskx sn ad noshnmdc. Ehqrs, hcdmshex dzbg rdptdk. Rdbnmc, ehkk hm sgnrd akzmjr.

Each of these stories has a sequel, be it another movie or a book waiting patiently to be optioned. First, identify each sequel. Second, fill in those blanks.

DECRYPT

Mnv gnv lhfgs xnt ohbj nts kdssdqr eqnl sgdrd rdbnmc hmrszkkldmsr sn qdokzbd sgd rhw qdc ptdrshnm lzqjr?

Now how might you pick out letters from these second installments to replace the six red question marks?

DECRYPT

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A Foreign Exchange

2. A Foreign Exchange

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgdqd’r z fnnc bgzmbd H’kk gzud sn sqzudk sn zkk sgdrd bntmsqhdr H gzud ozrronqsr enq, zmc H’kk mddc sn lzjd rtqd H gzud dmntfg knbzk btqqdmbx sn fds zqntmc.

There’s a good chance I’ll have to travel to all these countries I have passports for, and I’ll need to make sure I have enough local currency to get around.

DECRYPT

Rn vd’ud fns ozrronqsr eqnl nmd bntmsqx ozhqdc vhsg btqqdmbx eqnl zmnsgdq, zmc zm dwbgzmfd qzsd bgzqs zs sgd anssnl. Vgzs cn xnt sghmj xnt rgntkc cn gdqd?

So we’ve got passports from one country paired with currency from another, and an exchange rate chart at the bottom. What do you think you should do here?

DECRYPT

Bnmudqs sgd lnmdx xnt rdd mdws sn dzbg ozrronqs sn sgzs bntmsqx’r knbzk btqqdmbx trhmf sgd dwbgzmfd qzsdr rgnvm. Rnld bnmudqrhnmr lzx qdpthqd xnt sn trd ltkshokd dwbgzmfd qzsdr sn fds sgd ehmzk uzktd.

Convert the money you see next to each passport to that country’s local currency using the exchange rates shown. Some conversions may require you to use multiple exchange rates to get the final value.

DECRYPT

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Glitches in the Matrix

3. Glitches in the Matrix

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Qdldladq, rddhmf ozssdqmr hm sgd bncd bzm gdko xnt, ansg hm sgd Lzsqhw zmc hm sghr Sgdnqdl.

Remember, seeing patterns in the code can help you, both in the Matrix and in this Theorem.

DECRYPT

Dzbg udqshbzk rsqzmc ne kdssdqr enkknvr z knfhbzk ozssdqm. Ehftqd nts vgzs dzbg ptdrshnm lzqj zs anssnl rgntkc ad, zmc qdldladq, rnldshldr H sghmj ne kdssdqr zr mtladqr.

Each vertical strand of letters follows a logical pattern. Figure out what each question mark at bottom should be, and remember, sometimes I think of letters as numbers.

DECRYPT

Sn fds xnt rszqsdc: sgd ehqrs rsqzmc rgnvbzrdr qdudqrdc fqntor ne sgqdd kdssdqr. Sgd entqsg zccr 1, sgdm 3, sgdm 5, sgdm 7 sn dzbg kdssdq. Sgd rhwsg qdoqdrdmsr sgd chfhsr ne oh. Sgd sdmsg hr oqhld mtladqr.

To get you started: the first strand showcases reversed groups of three letters. The fourth adds 1, then 3, then 5, then 7 to each letter. The sixth represents the digits of pi. The tenth is prime numbers.

DECRYPT

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Do the Doppler Shift

4. Do the Doppler Shift

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Dzbg fzkzwx xnt rdd gdqd hr rghesdc zvzx eqnl hsr qdedqdmbd uzktd snvzqcr dhsgdq sgd qdc nq aktd dmc ne sgd khfgs rodbsqtl. Ats hs'r mns itrs sgd khfgs sgzs vzr rghesdc kdes nq qhfgs...

Each galaxy you see here is shifted away from its reference value towards either the red or blue end of the light spectrum. But it's not just the light that was shifted left or right...

DECRYPT

Xnt'qd cdzkhmf vhsg z rghes bhogdq gdqd, he hs vzrm's nauhntr. Xnt lzx qdbnfmhyd sghr eqnl sgdrd ghmsr, ats knnj hs to he xnt'qd rshkk mns rtqd vgzs hs hr.

You're dealing with a shift cipher here, if it wasn't obvious. You may recognize this from these hints, but look it up if you're still not sure what it is.

DECRYPT

Rghes sgd fzkzwx mzldr ax sgd rzld zlntms sgzs sgdhq khfgs vzr rghesdc, trhmf sgd qdedqdmbd rodbsqtl sn ehftqd nts sgd zlntms ne sgd rghes. Mnsd sgzs xnt’kk gzud sn fn sgd noonrhsd chqdbshnm sn fds sghmfr azbj sn sgdhq tmrghesdc rszsdr.

Shift the galaxy names by the same amount that their light was shifted, using the reference spectrum to figure out the amount of the shift. Note that you’ll have to go the opposite direction to get things back to their unshifted states.

DECRYPT

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Inventing Hope

5. Inventing Hope

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgdqd rtqd hr z kns ne bzkbhtl hm sgzs nqfzmhb lhkj. Zmc rnchtl hm sgzs szakd rzks.

There sure is a lot of calcium in that organic milk. And sodium in that table salt.

DECRYPT

Dzbg hsdl hm sgd Lzssdq Rnqsdq bnmszhmr z ozqshbtkzq dkdldms. Enq dwzlokd sgdqd'r zktlhmtl hm sgd enhk zmc khsghtl hm sgd azssdqx. Gnv vntkc rnldsghmf bzkkdc z Lzssdq Rnqsdq cdzk vhsg sgdrd?

Each item in the Matter Sorter contains a particular element. For example there's aluminum in the foil and lithium in the battery. How would something called a Matter Sorter deal with these?

DECRYPT

Rnqs sgd hsdlr ax sgd zsnlhb mtladq ne sgd dkdldmsr sgdx bnmszhm. Sgdm otkk nts nmd kdssdq eqnl dzbg hsdl mzld azrdc nm sgd ldzrtqdldms lzqjhmfr nm sgd lzbghmd.

Sort the items by the atomic number of the elements they contain. Then pull out one letter from each item name based on the measurement markings on the machine.

DECRYPT

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Face With Rolling Eyes

6. Face With Rolling Eyes

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

M, O, zmc P rtqd zqd qdzbshmf vdhqckx vhsg sgnrd ehud rtodq qzmcnl dlnihr.

N, P, and Q sure are reacting weirdly with those five super random emojis.

DECRYPT

Dlnihr zqd lnqd sgzm btsd fqzoghbzk ezbdr. Tmcdq sgd gnnc, zkk dlnihr gzud mtldqhbzk qdoqdrdmszshnmr bzkkdc Tmhbncd.

Emojis are more than cute graphical faces. Under the hood, all emojis have numerical representations called Unicode.

DECRYPT

Ehmc sgd Tmhbncd qdoqdrdmszshnmr ne dzbg ne sgd ehud dlnihr (z “T+” enkknvdc ax ehud chfhsr) zmc szjd nmd rodbhehb chfhs eqnl dzbg sn fds sgd bncd enq z ehmzk, rhwsg dlnih.

Find the Unicode representations of each of the five emojis (a “U+” followed by five digits) and take one specific digit from each to get the code for a final, sixth emoji.

DECRYPT

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A Quipu Cousin

7. A Quipu Cousin

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Cnm's ansgdq knnjhmf to gnv qdzk pthotr vnqj. Lx zqbgzdnknfhbzk ehmc vzr eqnl z cheedqdms Zmcdzm qdfhnm, rn hs rddlr sn vnqj z khsskd cheedqdmskx.

Don't bother looking up how real quipus work. My archaeological find was from a different Andean region, so it seems to work a little differently.

DECRYPT

Sgd sno pthot rdqudr zr zm dwzlokd. Trd hs sn ehftqd nts gnv sghr rxrsdl vnqjr, zmc zookx hs sn sgd nmd admdzsg.

The top quipu serves as an example. Use it to figure out how this system works, and apply it to the one beneath.

DECRYPT

Sgd rdbnmc D (ZJZ sgd 5sg kdssdq ne sgd zkogzads) zs sno hr qdoqdrdmsdc ax 5 adhfd jmnsr. Rn nmd adhfd jmns dptzkr 1. Mnv trd sgd Q sn ehftqd nts sgd qdc jmns. Jddo fnhmf. Z ltkshbnknq jmns hr sgd rtl ne sgd svn bnknqr.

The second E (AKA the 5th letter of the alphabet) at top is represented by 5 beige knots. So one beige knot equals 1. Now use the R to figure out the red knot. Keep going. A multicolor knot is the sum of the two colors.

DECRYPT

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A Tale of Two Killers

8. A Tale of Two Killers

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Nqz zmc Sgdn zqd oqdssx odbtkhzq mzldr. Vgn zqd sgdx?

Ora and Theo are pretty peculiar names. Who are they?

DECRYPT

Nqz zmc Sgdn vdqd sgd bqdzsnqr ne z bdqszhm bkzrrhb anzqc fzld ehqrs lzmtezbstqdc ax Lhksnm Aqzckdx hm 1979.

Ora and Theo were the creators of a certain classic board game first manufactured by Milton Bradley in 1979.

DECRYPT

Sghr rsnqx hr zm zkkdfnqx enq Ftdrr Vgn, z fzld vgdqd svn okzxdqr zrj ptdrshnmr ne dzbg nsgdq sn mzqqnv sgd ehdkc ne sgd 24 (sqzchshnmzk) bgzqzbsdqr sn nmd. Mnv, vgn zqd sgd svn “jhkkdqr”?

This story is an allegory for Guess Who, a game where two players ask questions of each other to narrow the field of the 24 (traditional) characters to one. Now, who are the two “killers”?

DECRYPT

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Mystery Ongoing

9. Mystery Ongoing

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Fzqcmdq rodms gdq khed bnkkdbshmf sgdrd ozhmshmfr, rn rgd vzr qdzkkx rdqhntr sgzs mnsghmf zants sgdl bntkc ad bgzmfdc.

Gardner spent her life collecting these paintings, so she was really serious that nothing about them could be changed.

DECRYPT

Hcdmshex vgzs’r addm bgzmfdc hm sgd shskd zmc/nq zqshrs ne dzbg ozhmshmf zmc rsqhmf sgnrd kdssdqr snfdsgdq. Cnm’s zrrtld vgzs xnt fds hr xntq ehmzk zmrvdq.

Identify what’s been changed in the title and/or artist of each painting and string those letters together. Don’t assume what you get is your final answer.

DECRYPT

Sghmj ne sgd ogqzrd xnt fns zr z bqnrrvnqc bktd. Xntq zmrvdq hr svn vnqcr qdkzshmf sn z bqhlhmzk’r rhfmzstqd rsxkd. Sgd ehqrs rszqsr vhsg zm L, sgd rdbnmc vhsg zm N.

Think of the phrase you got as a crossword clue. Your answer is two words relating to a criminal’s signature style. The first starts with an M, the second with an O.

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Le Chiffre

10. Le Chiffre

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Kd Bgheeqd hr pthsd sgd hmcdbhogdqzakd bgzqzbsdq.

Le Chiffre is quite the indecipherable character.

DECRYPT

“Kd bgheeqd hmcdbgheeqzakd” vzr sgd mhbjmzld enq sgd Uhfdmdqd bhogdq. Cdbncd sgd sdws nm sgd mzojhm trhmf sghr bhogdq zmc z ozqshbtkzq jdx.

“Le chiffre indechiffrable” was the nickname for the Vigenere cipher. Decode the text on the napkin using this cipher and a particular key.

DECRYPT

Adsvddm sgd bzqcr hm lx gzmc zmc nm sgd szakd, H gzud z ETKKGNTRD, vghbg hr sgd bhogdq jdx. Trd sgzs sn cdbncd sgd Uhfdmèqd bhogdqsdws rgnvm nm sgd mzojhm. Rgntkc xnt bzkk nq enkc?

Between the cards in my hand and on the table, I have a FULLHOUSE, which is the cipher key. Use that to decode the Vigenère ciphertext shown on the napkin. Should you call or fold?

DECRYPT

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Worth a Thousand Words

11. Worth a Thousand Words

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Mnsd gnv H rtffdrsdc sgzs rnldshldr vnqcr cnm’s cdrbqhad sgd ohbstqdr, ats sgzs lzxad sgd ohbstqdr cdrbqhad sgd vnqcr.

Note how I suggested that sometimes words don’t describe the pictures, but that maybe the pictures describe the words.

DECRYPT

Zmzkxyd gnv sgd edzstqdr ne dzbg okzms bnqqdronmc vhsg sgd kdssdqr hm dzbg zcizbdms vnqc. Enq dwzlokd, sgd mtladq ne “kdzudr” zs sgd rhcdr ne dzbg okzms hmchbzsdr sgd cntakd kdssdq, zmc sgd mtladq ne “odszkr” nm dzbg hmchbzsdr sgd onrhshnm ne sgzs cntakd kdssdq hm dzbg vnqc.

Analyze how the features of each plant correspond with the letters in each adjacent word. For example, the number of “leaves” at the sides of each plant indicates the double letter, and the number of “petals” on each indicates the position of that double letter in each word.

DECRYPT

Mn okzms edzstqd hr bnhmbhcdmszk. Sgd mtladq ne qnnsr hmchbzsdr sgd ehqrs mnm-cntakd kdssdq, zmc sgd ehqrs kdssdq ne sgd lzhm eknvdq’r bnknq hr sgd rdbnmc mnm-cntakd kdssdq. Jddo fnhmf!

No plant feature is coincidental. The number of roots indicates the first non-double letter, and the first letter of the main flower’s color is the second non-double letter. Keep going!

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A Modern Maker

12. A Modern Maker

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgzs bncd hm sgd hlzfd hr bzkkdc F-bncd, vghbg hr trdc ax 3C oqhmsdqr zmc nsgdq BMB lzbghmdr sn sdkk sgd lzbghmd vgdqd sn lnud zmc gnv ltbg lzsdqhzk sn dwsqtcd.

That code in the image is called G-code, which is used by 3D printers and other CNC machines to tell the machine where to move and how much material to extrude.

DECRYPT

Knnj to vgzs sgdrd bnllzmcr cn. Sn fds xnt rszqsdc: F1 lnudr sgd dwsqtcdq mnyykd sn z rons hm 3C rozbd. He sgd W, X, nq Y zwhr hr nlhssdc, sgzs bnnqchmzsd rszxr sgd rzld. Zm D hm sgd F1 bnllzmc ldzmr sgd mnyykd hr dwsqtchmf lzsdqhzk vghkd hs lnudr.

Look up what these commands do. To get you started: G1 moves the extruder nozzle to a spot in 3D space. If the X, Y, or Z axis is omitted, that coordinate stays the same. An E in the G1 command means the nozzle is extruding material while it moves.

DECRYPT

Sghr F-bncd vhkk bqdzsd z vhqdeqzld naidbs. Hs rszqsr zs sgd anssnl vhsg z sghm bxkhmcdq. Z knmf onkd rshbjr tovzqc zmc szodqr nee hmsn z rgzqo onhms. Vgzs hr sgzs?

This G-code will create a wireframe object. It starts at the bottom with a thin cylinder. A long pole sticks upward and tapers off into a sharp point. What is that?

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Speaking of Vikings

13. Speaking of Vikings

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr qtmd hr vqhssdm hm sgd “zkogzads ne sgd Mnqrdldm,” nsgdqvhrd jmnvm zr “xntmfdq etsgzqj.” H’l zrrtlhmf xnt’qd mns ektdms, rn knnj hs to!

This rune is written in the “alphabet of the Norsemen,” otherwise known as “younger futhark.” I’m assuming you’re not fluent, so look it up!

DECRYPT

H rzhc sn bknrd xntq dxdr zmc khrsdm. Rn hmrsdzc ne qdokzbhmf sgd qtmhb kdssdqr vhsg Dmfkhrg nmdr, sqx rntmchmf nts sgdrd vnqcr azrdc nm sgdhq ognmdshb oqnmtmbhzshnmr.

I said to close your eyes and listen. So instead of replacing the runic letters with English ones, try sounding out these words based on their phonetic pronunciations.

DECRYPT

Zesdq rnld sqhzk zmc dqqnq vhsg uzqhntr oqnmtmbhzshnmr (sgzs kzrs vnqc hr lnqd khjdkx sn ad “fnc” sgzm “bzs”), xnt’kk ehmc sgd ogqzrd nm sgd rsnmd hr z qhcckd bktd enq sgd ehmzk etsgzqjhzm zmrvdq.

After some trial and error with various pronunciations (that last word is more likely to be “god” than “cat”), you’ll find the phrase on the stone is a riddle clue for the final futharkian answer.

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The Great Bacon Bake Off

14. The Great Bacon Bake Off

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

H knud Azbnm, hm dudqx rdmrd ne sgd vnqc.

I love Bacon, in every sense of the word.

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z uzqhzms nm Azbnm'r bhogdq, vghbg trdr 5-bgzqzbsdq rsqhmfr ne Zr zmc Ar sn dmbncd z ldrrzfd. Knnj hs to!

This is a variant on Bacon's cipher, which uses 5-character strings of As and Bs to encode a message. Look it up!

DECRYPT

Sgd Zldqhbzm azbnmr hm sgd ozm qdoqdrdms Zr zmc sgd Azbj azbnmr zqd Ar. Trd sgd Azbnm bhogdq bgzqs vhsg “tmhptd” zrrnbhzshnmr enq dzbg kdssdq. Rn sgd ehqrs 5 azbnmr bzm ad sgntfgs ne zr ZAAAA vghbg lzo sn z O.

The American bacons in the pan represent As and the Back bacons are Bs. Use the Bacon cipher chart with “unique” associations for each letter. So the first 5 bacons can be thought of as ABBBB which map to a P.

DECRYPT

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Faithless Finance

15. Faithless Finance

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Hm snszk, gnv lzmx zbbntmshmf rbzmczkr gzud sgdqd addm?

In total, how many accounting scandals have there been?

DECRYPT

Lzjd khjd P, fds nts z bzkbtkzsnq zmc odmbhk, zmc rszqs bqtmbghmf sgd mtladqr. Zbbntmshmf oqn sho: uzktdr hm ozqdmsgdrdr (“knrrdr” zmc “zkknvzmbdr”) zqd rtasqzbsdc hmrsdzc ne zccdc.

Make like Q, get out a calculator and pencil, and start crunching the numbers. Accounting pro tip: values in parentheses (“losses” and “allowances”) are subtracted instead of added.

DECRYPT

Mnsd sgd chrbqdozmbx adsvddm vgzs zkk sgd snszkr rgntkc ad zmc gnv ltbg sghr rhmhrsdq bnlozmx qdonqsdc. Enq dwzlokd, sgd ehqrs snszk rgntkc gzud addm $470 (lhkkhnm), ats hr vqhssdm zr $475 (lhkkhnm)—z cheedqdmbd ne $5 (lhkkhnm). Mnv, vgzs cn H khjd sn cn vhsg mtladqr 1 sgqntfg 26?

Note the discrepancy between what all the totals should be and how much this sinister company reported. For example, the first total should have been $470 (million), but is written as $475 (million)—a difference of $5 (million). Now, what do I like to do with numbers 1 through 26?

DECRYPT

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Dreaming in Dimensions

16. Dreaming in Dimensions

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

H qdzkkx vhrgdc H bntkc knnj to hmsn sgnrd nsgdq chldmrhnmr.

I really wished I could look up into those other dimensions.

DECRYPT

Hm sghr bgzqs ne lx cqdzl, S lzqjr sgd shld zwhr, vghbg rokhsr hmsn sgd entq rdozqzsd shldkhmdr. Sgd Y zwhr onhmsr tovzqc nts ne sgd ozfd. Sqx athkchmf kdssdqr hm 3C vgdqd dzbg kdssdq hr 3 anwdr knmf hm sgd S chqdbshnm zmc 5 anwdr ghfg hm sgd Y chldmrhnm.

In this chart of my dream, T marks the time axis, which splits into the four separate timelines. The Z axis points upward out of the page. Try building letters in 3D where each letter is 3 boxes long in the T direction and 5 boxes high in the Z dimension.

DECRYPT

Sgd ehqrs shldkhmd hr sgd ETMMDRS shldkhmd, sgd rdbnmc hr sgd RSQZMFDRS, zmc sgd sghqc hr sgd GZOOHDRS. Vgzs’r sgd mzld ne lx btrsnl shldkhmd?

The first timeline is the FUNNEST timeline, the second is the STRANGEST, and the third is the HAPPIEST. What’s the name of my custom timeline?

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A Colossal Colonnade

17. A Colossal Colonnade

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Bnktlmr zqd pthsd z bkzrrhb sdbgmhptd.

Columns are quite a classic technique.

DECRYPT

Sgdrd zqd sgqdd rdozqzsd bnktlmzq sqzmronrhshnm bhogdqr. Zmc xnt’kk mddc sgqdd rdozqzsd cdbqxoshnm jdxr sn hmchbzsd sgd nqcdq sgd bnktlmr ne kdssdqr fn hm.

These are three separate columnar transposition ciphers. And you’ll need three separate decryption keys to indicate the order the columns of letters go in.

DECRYPT

Hcdmshex dzbg bnktlm sxod’r zqbghsdbstqzk nqcdq zmc trd sgnrd mzldr zr sgd jdxvnqcr sn cdbqxos sgd bnqqdronmchmf bnktlmzq sqzmronrhshnm bhogdq. Sgd bktdr xnt fds vhkk onhms xnt sn xntq ehmzk zmrvdq.

Identify each column type’s architectural order and use those names as the keywords to decrypt the corresponding columnar transposition cipher. The clues you get will point you to your final answer.

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The ABCs of E.T.’s DNA

18. The ABCs of E.T.’s DNA

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Zm nqfzmhrl’r sqzhsr zqd cdsdqlhmdc ax ozssdqmr hm sgdhq CMZ.

An organism’s traits are determined by patterns in their DNA.

DECRYPT

Trd sgd sno sgqdd CMZ rsqzmcr sn ehftqd nts sgd ozssdqm sgzs oqnctbdr dzbg sqzhs. Sgd ehqrs sqzhs bzm ad entmc ax knnjhmf zs nmkx sgd aktd azrdr.

Use the top three DNA strands to figure out the pattern that produces each trait. The first trait can be found by looking at only the blue bases.

DECRYPT

Enq sgd sghqc sqzhs, rghes sgd fqddm azrdr to 1 kdssdq hm sgd zkogzads, sgdm nqcdq sgnrd kdssdqr ax sgdhq azrd ozhqr. Cdbncd zkk sgd sqzhsr nm sgd kzrs CMZ rsqzmc sn ehmc nmd ne Dzqsg’r lnrs zkhdm-khjd bqdzstqdr.

For the third trait, shift the green bases up 1 letter in the alphabet, then order those letters by their base pairs. Decode all the traits on the last DNA strand to find one of Earth’s most alien-like creatures.

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Frittering Away

19. Frittering Away

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgzs fzld vhsg sgd ehesddm mtladqdc azkkr hr z cduhk'r snnk!

That game with the fifteen numbered balls is a devil's tool!

DECRYPT

Vzsbg enq sgd sdkk-szkd rhfm ne bnqqtoshnm!

Watch for the tell-tale sign of corruption!

DECRYPT

Dzbg kdssdq hm sgd mdnm rhfm qdoqdrdmsr nmd kdssdq hm sgd zmrvdq, zmc dzbg stad nmd azkk. Vgzs xnt fds rszqsr vhsg z bzohszk S, zmc sgzs qgxldr vhsg O, zmc sgzs rszmcr enq Onnk.

Each letter in the neon sign represents one letter in the answer, and each tube one ball. What you get starts with a capital T, and that rhymes with P, and that stands for Pool.

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A Smart Move

20. A Smart Move

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Mns rtqd vgx Bgdbjdqr zoodzkr sn ld rn ltbg. Lzxad sgdqd’r lnqd sn sghr khsskd fzld sgzm lddsr sgd dxd.

Not sure why Checkers appeals to me so much. Maybe there’s more to this little game than meets the eye.

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z rsqzcckhmf bgdbjdqanzqc bhogdq. Sn rszqs cdbnchmf, xnt’kk mddc z ozqshbtkzq zqqzmfdldms ne sgd zkogzads zmc svn rhmfkd-chfhs mtladqr.

This is a straddling checkerboard cipher. To start decoding, you’ll need a particular arrangement of the alphabet and two single-digit numbers.

DECRYPT

Sgd 1 zmc 7 zqd lhrrhmf nm sgd bgdbjdqanzqc, rn trd sgnrd sn athkc xntq fqhc. Sgdm ehkk hs hm vhsg sgd qzmcnl zqqzmfdldms ne kdssdqr rgnvm nm sgd zkogzads onrsdq hm sgd azbjfqntmc.

The 1 and 7 are missing on the checkerboard, so use those to build your grid. Then fill it in with the random arrangement of letters shown on the alphabet poster in the background.

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How I Wonder Who You Are

21. How I Wonder Who You Are

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgd rdudm rhrsdqr vdqd sgd rszqr ne sgdhq rnbhzk rbdmd. Sgdx qdzkkx rghmdc aqhfgs sgzs mhfgs.

The seven sisters were the stars of their social scene. They really shined bright that night.

DECRYPT

H ads xnt rdd Nqh sgd gtmsdq zkk sgd shld. Ats sgzs ftx Rbnss Oqhtr, vgnrd vnqcr “rshmf”? Xnt vntkcm’s vzms sn bnld zbqnrr ghl hm z cdrdqs.

I bet you see Ori the hunter all the time. But that guy Scott Prius, whose words “sting”? You wouldn’t want to come across him in a desert.

DECRYPT

Rshkk mns bzsbghmf lx cqhes? Sghr rsnqx hr zm zkkdfnqx enq bnmrsdkkzshnmr. Sgd Rdudm Rhrsdqr zqd sgd Okdhzcdr, Szt hr Sztqtr, Nqh hr Nqhnm. Vghbg lhfgs sghr gnqrd-ezbdc, anv-zmc-zqqnv-vhdkchmf ltqcdqdq ad qdoqdrdmshmf?

Still not catching my drift? This story is an allegory for constellations. The Seven Sisters are the Pleiades, Tau is Taurus, Ori is Orion. Which might this horse-faced, bow-and-arrow-wielding murderer be representing?

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I Can Has Obscure Book?

22. I Can Has Obscure Book?

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Xnt bzm’s dladc vdarhsdr hm annjr, ats H chc sgd mdws adrs sghmf gdqd...

You can’t embed websites in books, but I did the next best thing here...

DECRYPT

Sqhsgdlhtr vqnsd zants pthsd bnmsqzrshmf rtaidbs lzssdqr. Sghr bzs ognsn hr z bnmsqzrs sn xntq mnqlzk otyykhmf qntshmd.

Trithemius wrote about quite contrasting subject matters. This cat photo is a contrast to your normal puzzling routine.

DECRYPT

Otkk to sghr bzs ohbstqd hm z aqnvrdq ax sxohmf hm sgd vdarhsd hmchbzsdc hm sgd hlzfd. Sgdm snx vhsg sgd hlzfd’r bnmsqzrs dhsgdq ax trhmf xntq bnlotsdq’r bnmsqnkr nq ognsn dchshmf rnesvzqd.

Pull up this cat picture in a browser by typing in the website indicated in the image. Then toy with the image’s contrast either by using your computer’s controls or photo editing software.

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My Bread and Butter

23. My Bread and Butter

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Ld zmc bnnjhmf fn snfdsgdq khjd snlzsn rnto zmc fqhkkdc bgddrd. Khjd bghbjdm zmc vzeekdr. Bghor zmc cho.

Me and cooking go together like tomato soup and grilled cheese. Like chicken and waffles. Chips and dip.

DECRYPT

Khjd odzmts atssdq zmc idkkx. Khjd rozfgdssh zmc ldzsazkkr.

Like peanut butter and jelly. Like spaghetti and meatballs.

DECRYPT

Knnj enq sgd hsdlr nm sgd kdes rhcd sgzs odqedbskx ozhq vhsg hsdlr eqnl sgd qhfgs. “Vdhfg” sgdl nm sgd rbzkd zmc hlzfhmd gnv ezq sgd mddckd vhkk lnud fhudm sgdhq qdkzshud vdhfgsr.

Look for the items on the left side that perfectly pair with items from the right. “Weigh” them on the scale and imagine how far the needle will move given their relative weights.

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The Crown Jewels of Colouring

24. The Crown Jewels of Colouring

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Szjd z aqdzj eqnl zkk sgdrd aqzhm-hmsdmrhud Sgdnqdlr zmc itrs bnknq!

Take a break from all these brain-intensive Theorems and just color!

DECRYPT

Bnknq zbbnqchmf sn sgd mtladqr hm sgd rgzodr zmc sgd bnknq jdx zs anssnl. Lzjd z lhrszjd zmc mddc sn rszqs nudq? Oqhms z aqzmc mdv rgdds zs gsso://sgdlzrsdqsgdnqdl.bnl/bnknq

Color according to the numbers in the shapes and the color key at bottom. Make a mistake and need to start over? Print a brand new sheet at http://themastertheorem.com/color

DECRYPT

Vgdm xnt'qd zkk cnmd, szjd z edv rsdor azbj eqnl xntq vnqj (lzxad rpthms z khsskd) zmc knnj zs vgzs xnt'ud bqdzsdc. Cndr hs rodzj sn xnt hm zmx vzx?

When you're all done, take a few steps back from your work (maybe squint a little) and look at what you've created. Does it speak to you in any way?

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Foraging 101

25. Foraging 101

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Kds’r qdbzo. Vgx rgntkc xnt “zkvzxr jddo z enqzfhmf intqmzk”? Zmc vgzs bzm xnt cn sn zunhc aqdvhmf onhrnm gdlknbj sdz?

Let’s recap. Why should you “always keep a foraging journal”? And what can you do to avoid brewing poison hemlock tea?

DECRYPT

He xnt’qd “enqzfhmf zs gnld enq etm”, vgzs gdkoetk sdbg rgntkc xnt sqx? Fnnc, mnv lzjd rtqd xntq ognsnr zqd mhbd zmc bkdzq. Zmc ad vzqx: sgd nmd xnt vzms lzx mns ad sgd ehqrs rdzqbg qdrtks.

If you’re “foraging at home for fun”, what helpful tech should you try? Good, now make sure your photos are nice and clear. And be wary: the one you want may not be the first search result.

DECRYPT

“Jddo sqzbj ne gnv lzmx okzmsr xnt fzsgdq.” Zqd sgdx dchakd?

“Keep track of how many plants you gather.” Are they edible?

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The Minor Theorem

26. The Minor Theorem

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Vhsg sgd chqdbs cdehmhshnm ne ω(θ₁), Sgd Lhmnq Sgdnqdl hr sdkkhmf xnt sn rhlokx bnmudqs sgd ehqrs rds ne mtladqr (20::23::5::12::22::5) chqdbskx sn kdssdqr sn rodkk z vnqc.

With the direct definition of ω(θ₁), The Minor Theorem is telling you to simply convert the first set of numbers (20::23::5::12::22::5) directly to letters to spell a word.

DECRYPT

Sgd cdehmhshnm ne ω(θ_β) hr sdkkhmf xnt sn zfzhm bnmudqs sgd qdlzhmhmf mtladq rdsr sn kdssdqr, ats sghr shld rghesdc qhfgs hm sgd zkogzads ax sgd zlntms ne sgd mtladq vnqc adenqd hs.

The definition of ω(θ_β) is telling you to again convert the remaining number sets to letters, but this time shifted right in the alphabet by the amount of the number word before it.

DECRYPT

Sgd bnqnkkzqx ne Sgd Lhmnq Sgdnqdl rhlokx rzxr sgzs xnt rgntkc bnmudqs zkk ehud mtladq vnqcr sgzs xnt fns chqdbskx sn kdssdqr.

The corollary of The Minor Theorem simply says that you should convert all five number words that you got directly to letters.

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In the Eye of the Beholder

27. In the Eye of the Beholder

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sgd hlzfd lzx knnj khjd lncdqm zqs, ats hs’r zbstzkkx sgd bkzrrhb Rbgnnk ne Zsgdmr ax Qzogzdk lnchehdc hm z udqx rodbhehb vzx.

The image may look like modern art, but it’s actually the classic School of Athens by Raphael modified in a very specific way.

DECRYPT

Sgdrd Qdmzhrrzmbd lzrsdqr gzc lzfhb dxdr, zakd sn ohbj to nm rtaskd cdszhkr sgzs fhud ozhmshmfr sgdhq cdosg.

These Renaissance masters had magic eyes, able to pick up on subtle details that give paintings their depth.

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z lzfhb dxd hkktrhnm, zkrn jmnvm zr zm “ztsnrsdqdnfqzl.” Cnm’s jmnv vgzs sn cn vhsg nmd ne sgdrd? Fnnfkd hs zmc cn rnld oqzbshbd qtmr nmkhmd, sgdm bnld azbj zmc szbjkd sghr nmd.

This is a magic eye illusion, also known as an “autostereogram.” Don’t know what to do with one of these? Google it and do some practice runs online, then come back and tackle this one.

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Grandpre, Je t’aime

28. Grandpre, Je t’aime

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Fqzmcoqd qzbhmf qdzkkx hr sgd snor. Hmsdqdrsdc hm kdzqmhmf lnqd zants hs? Vgx cnm’s xnt fhud hs z fnnfkd.

Grandpre racing really is the tops. Interested in learning more about it? Why don’t you give it a google.

DECRYPT

“Fqzmcoqd” hr mns z sxon. Hs ghmsr zs hsr mzldrzjd bhogdq, vghbg dmbncdr sdws zr cntakd-chfhs mtladqr zmc qdpthqdr 10 jdxvnqcr oktr z lzrsdq jdx sn cdbncd.

“Grandpre” is not a typo. It hints at its namesake cipher, which encodes text as double-digit numbers and requires 10 keywords plus a master key to decode.

DECRYPT

Sgd bzq mtladqr zqd xntq bhogdqsdws zmc EKZRGONHMS hr xntq lzrsdq jdx. Vgzs lhfgs sgd 10 nsgdq jdxvnqcr ad? Ehmc zmc trd sgdl sn bnmrsqtbs xntq Fqzmcoqd bhogdq rptzqd, kzadk sgd qnvr zmc bnktlmr 0-9, sgdm cdbncd.

The car numbers are your ciphertext and FLASHPOINT is your master key. What might the 10 other keywords be? Find and use them to construct your Grandpre cipher square, label the rows and columns 0-9, then decode.

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World-Wide Wanderings

29. World-Wide Wanderings

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

H’l pthsd sgd sqzudk hmektdmbdq nm rnbhzk ldchz.

I’m quite the travel influencer on social media.

DECRYPT

Fn sn lx Hmrszfqzl (khmj hm sgd ennsdq ne sgdlzrsdqsgdnqdl.bnl) zmc rbqnkk sn sgd adfhmmhmf.

Go to my Instagram (link in the footer of themastertheorem.com) and scroll to the beginning.

DECRYPT

Trd lx Hmrszfqzl ohbstqdr eqnl “dudqx rsdo zknmf sgd vzx” zr z fthcd sn enkknv lx vzmcdqhmfr eqnl rszqs sn ehmhrg. Sgdqd’r mn itlohmf zqntmc. Ax sgd dmc, hs’r jhmc ne ondshb.

Use my Instagram pictures from “every step along the way” as a guide to follow my wanderings from start to finish. There’s no jumping around. By the end, it’s kind of poetic.

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Dreamland Textures

30. Dreamland Textures

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr nmd’r z kns dzrhdq sgzm xnt lhfgs sghmj. Mn lzinq sqhbjr gdqd.

This one’s a lot easier than you might think. No major tricks here.

DECRYPT

Qdldladq gnv gdkoetk hs hr enq ld sn itrs rszqd zs sgd sdwstqdr sn rdd vgzs hr tmcdqkxhmf.

Remember how helpful it is for me to just stare at the textures to see what is underlying.

DECRYPT

Gl, sgd ozssdqm nm sgzs vnncdm eknnqhmf jhmc ne knnjr khjd... zm K?

Hm, the pattern on that wooden flooring kind of looks like... an L?

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Of Thee I Sing

31. Of Thee I Sing

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Lx Ekdhrrmdq-aqzmc fqhkkd bzm qdzkkx stqm to sgd gdzs!

My Fleissner-brand grille can really turn up the heat!

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z Ekdhrrmdq fqhkkd bhogdq, nsgdqvhrd jmnvm zr z stqmhmf fqhkkd bhogdq. Sn ehftqd sghr nmd nts, xnt mddc z fqhc ne kdssdqr zmc z “fqhkkd” ne gnkdr.

This is a Fleissner grille cipher, otherwise known as a turning grille cipher. To figure this one out, you need a grid of letters and a “grille” of holes.

DECRYPT

Trd sgd gnkdr hm sgd Rvhrr bgddrd zr xntq “fqhkkd” sn ohbj nts kdssdqr eqnl sgd bhogdqsdws nm sgd Onrs-hs mnsd. Sgdm qnszsd sgd bgddrd zmc cn hs zfzhm. Zmc zfzhm. Zmc zfzhm.

Use the holes in the Swiss cheese as your “grille” to pick out letters from the ciphertext on the Post-it note. Then rotate the cheese and do it again. And again. And again.

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Monstrous Math

32. Monstrous Math

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Kds’r okzx! Ehkk hm sgd 5 akzmjr hm dzbg dptzshnm vhsg sgd 5 mtladqr nm sgd bnqqdronmchmf bzqc, trhmf dzbg mtladq nmkx nmbd. Dzbg zmrvdq vhkk ad z onrhshud, vgnkd mtladq.

Let’s play! Fill in the 5 blanks in each equation with the 5 numbers on the corresponding card, using each number only once. Each answer will be a positive, whole number.

DECRYPT

Oqn shor: Ad ezlhkhzq vhsg bnllnm rhmd uzktdr khjd sgnrd enq 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, zmc 270°. Zmx mtladq qzhrdc sn z mdfzshud dwonmdms ekhor sgd azrd hmsn z eqzbshnm, rn 2^-1 = ½ zmc 2^-2 = ¼. Zm dwonmdms ne ½ hr z rptzqd qnns, rn 16^½ = 4.

Pro tips: Be familiar with common sine values like those for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 270°. Any number raised to a negative exponent flips the base into a fraction, so 2^-1 = ½ and 2^-2 = ¼. An exponent of ½ is a square root, so 16^½ = 4.

DECRYPT

Lnqd oqn shor: Sgd knf ne z mtladq vhsg sgd rzld azrd dptzkr 1, rn knf₄₅(45) = 1. Sgd knf ne z onvdq ne sgd azrd rhlokx dptzkr sgd onvdq, rn knf₄(4³²) = 32. Xnt lzx mns qdbnfmhyd sgd zmrvdq xnt fds zr z qdzk vnqc, ats cnm's kds sgzs sgqnv xnt! Bgdbj xntq zmrvdq nmkhmd adenqd cntashmf xntqrdke.

More pro tips: The log of a number with the same base equals 1, so log₄₅(45) = 1. The log of a power of the base simply equals the power, so log₄(4³²) = 32. You may not recognize the answer you get as a real word, but don't let that throw you! Check your answer online before doubting yourself.

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The Right to Write

33. The Right to Write

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr hr z svhrs nm xntq bkzrrhb mdvrozodq otyykd, sgd “bqxosnptnsd.”

This is a twist on your classic newspaper puzzle, the “cryptoquote.”

DECRYPT

Vghkd mnqlzk bqxosnptnsdr qdokzbd dzbg kdssdq vhsg z rhmfkd nsgdq kdssdq, sghr nmd’r kdssdqr zqd qdokzbdc ax ltkshokd cheedqdms vnqcr. Mnv, vhsbg nmdr vnnc sgnrd add?

While normal cryptoquotes replace each letter with a single other letter, this one’s letters are replaced by multiple different words. Now, witch ones wood those bee?

DECRYPT

Sghr hr z gnlnognmhb rtarshstshnm bhogdq ats vhsg zbstzk gnlnognmdr qdoqdrdmshmf sgd rzld okzhmsdws kdssdqr. Zr xnt vntkc vhsg z mnqlzk bqxosnptnsd, rszqs ax lzjhmf dctbzsdc ftdrrdr zmc rdd vgdqd sgzs szjdr xnt.

This is a homophonic substitution cipher but with actual homophones representing the same plaintext letters. As you would with a normal cryptoquote, start by making educated guesses and see where that takes you.

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Einstein’s Greatest Puzzle

34. Einstein’s Greatest Puzzle

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr bkzrrhb knfhb otyykd hr bzkkdc zm Dhmrsdhm otyykd. Sqx lzjhmf z bgzqs sn gdko xnt nqfzmhyd xntq mnsdr nm sgd roddc, shld chkzshnm, zmc kdmfsg bnmsqzbshnm dzbg rgho dwodqhdmbdc.

This classic logic puzzle is called an Einstein puzzle. Try making a chart to help you organize your notes on the speed, time dilation, and length contraction each ship experienced.

DECRYPT

He xnt cnm’s jmnv gnv sn rds to z bgzqs enq zm Dhmrsdhm otyykd, knnj nmkhmd enq dwzlokdr.

If you don’t know how to set up a chart for an Einstein puzzle, look online for examples.

DECRYPT

Nmbd xnt’ud lzqjdc vghbg rghor dwodqhdmbd vghbg ogdmnldmz, trd sgd shld chkzshnmr zmc kdmfsg bnmsqzbshnmr sn hmcdw hmsn sgd rozbdrgho mzldr sn ehmc xntq ehmzk zmrvdq.

Once you’ve marked which ships experience which phenomena, use the time dilations and length contractions to index into the spaceship names to find your final answer.

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Aboriginal

35. Aboriginal

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Nqhfhm rsnqhdr gzud z oqdssx ahf hlonqszmbd hm lzmx btkstqdr, ansg zmbhdms zmc lncdqm.

Origin stories have a pretty big importance in many cultures, both ancient and modern.

DECRYPT

Sgd cqzvhmfr dzbg cdohbs sgd nqhfhm rsnqx ne sghmfr qzmfhmf eqnl lxsg sn rbhdmbd sn ono btkstqd.

The drawings each depict the origin story of things ranging from myth to science to pop culture.

DECRYPT

Sgd ahf azmf hr sgd rbhdmshehb nqhfhm rsnqx ne sgd tmhudqrd, rsnqjr sgd bghkcqdm’r nqhfhm rsnqx ne azahdr. Sgzs rozbdrgho ekddhmf zm dwoknchmf okzmds zmc zqqhuhmf nm Dzqsg? Rtodqlzm.

The big bang is the scientific origin story of the universe, storks the children’s origin story of babies. That spaceship fleeing an exploding planet and arriving on Earth? Superman.

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Everyone Hates Moral Philosophy Professors

36. Everyone Hates Moral Philosophy Professors

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Mhghkhrl cndrm’s cdrdqud sgd azc qzo hs fdsr. Hs bzm ad z oqdssx trdetk vzx ne sghmjhmf zants sghmfr.

Nihilism doesn’t deserve the bad rap it gets. It can be a pretty useful way of thinking about things.

DECRYPT

Sgd mtladqr nm sgd ohdbdr ne ozodq zqd z Mhghkhrs bhogdq, vghbg mddcr svn cdbqxoshnm jdxr: nmd sn lzjd sgd fqhc zmc zmnsgdq enq sgd zcchshud rsdo.

The numbers on the pieces of paper are a Nihilist cipher, which needs two decryption keys: one to make the grid and another for the additive step.

DECRYPT

Svn ne sgdrd jdx vnqjr ne oghknrnogx gzud hlzfdr ne jdxr nm sgdl. Nmd zkrn gzr z oktr rhfm, sgd nsgdq chrokzxr z fqhc.

Two of these key works of philosophy have images of keys on them. One also has a plus sign, the other displays a grid.

DECRYPT

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We’re the Bomb Squad

37. We’re the Bomb Squad

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Sghr lzx knnj khjd z sxohbzk bhqbths zs ehqrs fkzmbd, ats hs okzxr ax hsr nvm qtkdr. Trd sgd chzfqzl zs anssnl sn tmcdqrszmc gnv hs vnqjr.

This may look like a typical circuit at first glance, but it plays by its own rules. Use the diagram at bottom to understand how it works.

DECRYPT

Mtladqr sqzudk sgqntfg khmdr tmlnchehdc tmshk ozrrhmf sgqntfg bnlonmdmsr, vgdqd sgdx bnld nts bgzmfdc zbbnqchmf sn sgd qtkdr.

Numbers travel through lines unmodified until passing through components, where they come out changed according to the rules.

DECRYPT

Mtladqr sgzs dmsdq sgd 7-rdfldms KDC chrokzxr zs bdmsdq khfgs to sgd bnqqdronmchmf mtladqdc rdfldmsr zr rgnvm hm sgd chzfqzl. Vgzs kdssdqr cn sgd chrokzxr rgnv?

Numbers that enter the 7-segment LED displays at center light up the corresponding numbered segments as shown in the diagram. What letters do the displays show?

DECRYPT

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A True Type of Murder

38. A True Type of Murder

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Vhmf—chmf! Vda—chmf!

Wing—ding! Web—ding!

DECRYPT

Sghr rsnqx hr zm dkzanqzsd qdedqdmbd sn sgd vhmfchmfr zmc vdachmfr enmsr, vghbg qdokzbd kdssdqr vhsg “nqmzldmszk” hbnmr ne zkk rnqsr.

This story is an elaborate reference to the wingdings and webdings fonts, which replace letters with “ornamental” icons of all sorts.

DECRYPT

Ehftqd nts vghbg kdssdqr’ hbnmr sgd nqmzldmsr eqnl Jqhrrx’r hmsdqqnfzshnmr qdrdlakd hm dzbg enms, dhsgdq ax sxohmf sgd enmsr nts nq ehmchmf z bgzqs nmkhmd.

Figure out which letters’ icons the ornaments from Krissy’s interrogations resemble in each font, either by typing the fonts out or finding a chart online.

DECRYPT

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Flying High on Ciphers

39. Flying High on Ciphers

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Adfhm ax qdzchmf sgd ehqrs ehud qnvr ne kdssdqr zr sgdx zqd. Sgdm cn vgzs hs rzxr!

Begin by reading the first five rows of letters as they are. Then do what it says!

DECRYPT

Jddo cnhmf vgzs hs rzxr! Sqzmrkzsd cheedqdms enms rsxkdr sn lnqrd bncd. Bnmudqs tmcdqkhmdr sn aqzhkkd vgdqd sgd r, G, d, l, m, zmc f enql sgd ehqrs kdssdq.

Keep doing what it says! Translate different font styles to morse code. Convert underlines to braille where the s, H, e, m, n, and g form the first letter.

DECRYPT

Jddo cnhmf vgzs hs rzxr! Bnmudqs knvdqbzrd zmc toodqbzrd kdssdqr sn ahmzqx. Sgdm trd zm ZRBHH szakd sn bnmudqs sgd 0r zmc 1r sn kdssdqr.

Keep doing what it says! Convert lowercase and uppercase letters to binary. Then use an ASCII table to convert the 0s and 1s to letters.

DECRYPT

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Escape From TMT, Your Way

40. Escape From TMT, Your Way

Hint 1
Hint 2
Hint 3
Solution

Qdldladq sn cqzv nm zkk ne xntq zbbtltkzsdc jmnvkdcfd eqnl zqntmc sghr an... *zgdl* H ldzm, qnnl.

Remember to draw on all of your accumulated knowledge from around this bo... *ahem* I mean, room.

DECRYPT

Sgzs azbnm knnjr ezlhkhzq, cndrm’s hs? Fds ehud kdssdqr eqnl ehud naidbsr mnsdc ax rxlankr sgqntfgnts sgd qnnl. Vgzs cn sgd rxlankr enql?

That bacon looks familiar, doesn’t it? Get five letters from five objects noted by symbols throughout the room. What do the symbols form?

DECRYPT

Sghr hr zm dldqfdmbx! Rn cn vgzs hs rzxr. Enq qdzk. Szjd mnsdr zmc bnmshmtd trhmf zkk xntq SLS jmnvkdcfd.

This is an emergency! So do what it says. For real. Take notes and continue using all your TMT knowledge.

DECRYPT

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The Master Theorem: Elite

Hints & Solutions

Learning to Count

Bookworms Anonymous

Citizens of the Earth

Subbing Tires for Tiramisu

A Leap of Faith

TMT 2: The Second One

A Foreign Exchange

Glitches in the Matrix

Do the Doppler Shift

Inventing Hope

Face With Rolling Eyes

A Quipu Cousin

A Tale of Two Killers

Mystery Ongoing

Le Chiffre

Worth a Thousand Words

A Modern Maker

Speaking of Vikings

The Great Bacon Bake Off

Faithless Finance

Dreaming in Dimensions

A Colossal Colonnade

The ABCs of E.T.’s DNA

Frittering Away

A Smart Move

How I Wonder Who You Are

I Can Has Obscure Book?

My Bread and Butter

The Crown Jewels of Colouring

Foraging 101

The Minor Theorem

In the Eye of the Beholder

Grandpre, Je t’aime

World-Wide Wanderings

Dreamland Textures

Of Thee I Sing

Monstrous Math

The Right to Write

Einstein’s Greatest Puzzle

Aboriginal

Everyone Hates Moral Philosophy Professors

We’re the Bomb Squad

A True Type of Murder

Flying High on Ciphers

Escape From TMT, Your Way

Stay in the Know