7
$\begingroup$

What goes in the question mark? (Same for both equations). It is something very well-known.

enter image description here

Hint:

This transcends those other 2018 puzzles.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
12
$\begingroup$

The value of ? is

e

because

e ~= 2.718281828459045

and then

For a slightly different definition of minus (changing that digit to 0), 

2.718 - 2nd (digit) = 2.018
And then again for the second line, 
e - 2nd - 6th would be 2.0182018...
or "this year this year".

Hints/title:

Natural system = e is the base of the natural logarithm, and this answer "transcends" since e is a transcendental number.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Markiplier would be so proud!! $\endgroup$
    – R.D
    Sep 17, 2018 at 9:48
11
$\begingroup$

Warning: This is the mathematician-with-no-humour approach

Numbers are numbers, so "$2^{nd}$" is $2$ and "$6^{th}$" is $6$.

Next:

You have two unknown values, "?" and "this year", that I rename $x$ and $y$ just because.

Now the system is just:

$x-2=y$ and $x-2-6=y*y$

Which I can solve like in high school and get:

$x=\frac{5\pm i\sqrt{23}}{2}$

Which is obviously not what you were waiting for.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
3
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ As a mathematician without humour also, please, take my upvote (+1) $\endgroup$
    – El-Guest
    Sep 14, 2018 at 17:39
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ If you want a real solution maybe take 2nd as 1/2 and 6th as 1/6? Wolfram|Alpha link $\endgroup$
    – boboquack
    Sep 15, 2018 at 5:23
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ But this answer is funny $\endgroup$
    – Mr Pie
    Sep 15, 2018 at 12:34

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.