6
$\begingroup$

I am one higher then pent up,
and a curse on your enemies.
The last civilization used me well,
and, out loud, a core of mathematics.

What am I?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
7
$\begingroup$

You are:

Hex

I am one higher than pent up

The next highest numerical prefix after "pent-" is "hex-".

and a curse on your enemies

"Hex" is a term for a curse.

The last civilization used me well

Civilization V used hexagonal tiles with some success according to critics. (Thanks to Dan Russell on that one.)

and, out loud, a core of mathematics

When spoken, some dialects pronounce "hex" and "x" very similar. $x$ is an incredibly common variable name in algebra.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ I'd have imagined "hex" to be "hexadecimal" for the mathematics one, not necessary "x". $\endgroup$
    – Josh
    May 3, 2016 at 19:03
  • $\begingroup$ Hexadecimal is not particularly core to mathematics, though. If the puzzle were speaking more specifically about computer science, I would agree. Also, if it were talking about hexadecimal, it probably wouldn't include the "out loud" note. $\endgroup$
    – Ian MacDonald
    May 3, 2016 at 19:07
  • $\begingroup$ Good point. Hadn't thought of it that way. $\endgroup$
    – Josh
    May 3, 2016 at 19:19
  • $\begingroup$ Must resist urge to weigh the pros cons of civ5 $\endgroup$
    – Carl
    May 3, 2016 at 19:54
10
$\begingroup$

Are you:

Hex

I am one higher than pent up

Pent + 1 = Hex

and a curse on your enemies

A hex on all y'all!

The last civilization used me well

Civ V the game went to hexagonal tiles

and, out loud, a core of mathematics

Hexadecimal encoding

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ I'd give you points also, but @Ian Macdonald has the most complete answer. Good work, though. $\endgroup$
    – Seraviel
    May 3, 2016 at 13:56
1
$\begingroup$

I think the answer is

hex

I am one higher then pent up,

pent a prefix for five, hex a prefix for six

and a curse on your enemies.

hex is synonymous with curse

The last civilization used me well,

Referring to Greece?

and, out loud, a core of mathematics.

hexadecimal

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I had similar thoughts (nice match to your name, btw). However, I think that the last civilization used sextants (which is ... similar?). $\endgroup$
    – Ian MacDonald
    May 3, 2016 at 13:38
  • $\begingroup$ I'd give you points also, but @Ian Macdonald has the most complete answer. Good work, though. $\endgroup$
    – Seraviel
    May 3, 2016 at 13:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.