The postie
The postie has had it too easy for too long! Therefore we decided to make their work more challenging and hence more rewarding. This method not only cheers up the often wet postie but also increases his mathematical knowledge, which has got to be a good thing.
The idea is to replace housenumbers on envelopes with simple algebraic equations so that the postie can solve it on the move. For example, instead of addressing your letter to '22 High Street', write 'X High Street' and at the bottom of your envelope write 'where X = 2 x 10 + 2'. We assume that the postie knows basic arithmetic and rules of precedence. If you do not find the latter to be the case then the use of brackets will be necessary.
We therefore set out on our investigations and the following is a brief summary of our results. Please note that we sent unimportant postcards and letters in our trials.
Some successful attempts consist of:
- 22 - The aforementioned X High Street, where X = 2 x 10 +2
- 25 - X Harold Road, where X = 2 x 10 + 5
- 59 - X Call Lane, where X = 5 x 10 + 9
- and many others of the same form
Some unsuccesful attempts consist of:
- 25 - X Peter Street, where X = 52
- 553 - X Goodwood Rd, where X = 55 x 10 + 3
Perhaps the first was unsuccessful because of its complexity and the second becasue it involved high numbers. No-one shall ever know the real reason why they were not posted apart from the posties involved. Please step forward and explain yourselves if you were the unlucky postie.
Incidentally, note the use of the letter 'X' in the above addresses - we surmised that this was universally considered to stand for an unknown quantity and so the meaning would therefore be immediately apparent to the postie. Other letters are usable but we recommend simplicity in this matter.
A different approach was adopted with another attempt. This was with the number 22 again, masquerading this time as: 'a numerical representation of two little ducks'. This was successful and we feel rightly proud of ourselves.
Our aims for this endeavour are twofold: Firstly to encourage others to follow in our footsteps and send all their letters with this in mind. Secondly, and also as a result of the first, we hope that, due to the increased knowledge of the posties, we will be able to progress to more complex mathematical equations with which to challenge their minds. If things go well then we may even have the opportunity to include some interesting problems such as Besel Functions, Fourier's Series or even Eliptical Identities. We are waiting with bated breath. It is down to you now...do not let us down.