FollowupID: 238468 Submitted:
Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 07:47
GaryInOz (Vic) posted:
We ASSUME that the "42" relates to the way WE count (ie. the decimal system). As anyone these days knows with computers and such there are different number systems ("bases"), Decimal has 10 numerals (0 to 9) before you "overflow"into the next digit (10 +), similar for the Hexadecimal system that has 16 numerals (0-9, then A-F), and Binary has two numerals (0 and 1).
Now....we biased humans did not count for the fact(?) that there may be beings out there with (decimal) 13 fingers, logically for them leading to a number system with thirteen numerals (example 0-9, A-C). The "forty two" was not given with its relevant base so its true amount is not really clear (for an experiment try converting 42 from hex to decimal using the calculator available from the start menu, it should equal 66 decimal)
The Maths:
42 = 4 times their "base 13" + 2 extras.........(4 x 13) + 2 = 52 + 2 = 54....= 6 X 9!!!!!!(decimal)
Hope this makes sense...
Time to get some Brownian motion going for my Infinite Improbability Drive.....................
To those that haven't read the books/seen the video/listened to the radio program sorry for occupying your time, but if you get a chance to read the books they are hilariously funny, definitely offbeat, and strangely accurate (in all the astronomical distances/sizes/relationships of the celestial bodies) and can do strange things to the way you think (VERY lateral thinking!). Douglas Adams was a keen amateur astronomer with a very sick and twisted sense of humour. I've seen all 5 books bound as one volume for about $40 or so. GO FOR IT