Tackle This One

[fnord_too]

Isn't this just a simple set of linear equations? Why can't you just set up the matrix and solve it? (No, I haven't tried, I don't have the time to trudge through it, but it seems like just a tedious exercize in linear algebra.)

[purnell]

I remember this problem. I looked at it for a while and decided that either there is no one solution, or that I'm not smart enough to solve it (that is, I can't find a way to approach the problem that will allow me to crack it). Oh, well, I never thought I was the smartest guy in the world, or even close.

[Hamish McBagpipe]

[ QUOTE ]
This actually can't be solved, given the information available. Do you see why?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've gotten further than this. But you are right, of course, in your explanation. However, I'd think there is a solution.

[Hamish McBagpipe]

[ QUOTE ]
I can assure you that the solution is the only one that makes sense.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I'll keep pushing it around until I get it.

[Georgia Avenue]

23, of course.

Yeah, I'd guess you solve for the numbers that you can solve for, and then there's some pattern in the distribution of numbers to letters that you can figure out to find y.