What is the secret code for Dr. Kai's computer system?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a puzzle involving a secret code for Dr. Kai's computer system, where participants analyze the relationship between pairs of numbers and a third number that serves as a code. The scope includes problem-solving and reasoning related to number patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Dr. Kai uses a secret code related to pairs of numbers displayed on his screen, with examples provided: (1, 2) leads to 9, (3, 4) leads to 20, and (5, 6) leads to 12.
  • One participant suggests writing the numbers in English to analyze them for patterns.
  • Another participant notes they do not see a pattern after writing the numbers in English.
  • A different participant proposes counting the number of letters in the English words for the numbers and considering what operation could yield the required answer.
  • One participant claims to have found the answer as 54, derived from multiplying 9 by 6.
  • A participant references a previous discussion on a similar puzzle in the Brain Teaser forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the pattern and solution, with no consensus reached on the correct approach or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical operations or the underlying assumptions about the relationships between the numbers.

Derivative86
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Dr. Kai protects his computer system from those pesky Cortex spys by incorporating a secret code that only he knows how to work out. Two numbers appear on his screen, and he can't log in until he types in a third number, related to the first two.

However, certain Cortex spies kept an eye on him as he entered the secret code several times. For instance, when 1 and 2 appeared on the screen, he typed in 9 to log in. When 3 and 4 appeared, he typed in 20. When 5 and 6 appeared, he typed in 12.

Finally, when it was safe to do so, a Cortex spy broke in and started up the computer. The numbers 17 and 12 appeared on the screen.

What number should the Cortex spy type into gain access to Dr. Kai's computer?
 
Last edited:
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I could solve it for you, but instead I'm going to give you a hint.

Write down the numbers in English, then analyze them. (e.g. 3 = three, 4 = four, etc.)
 
Ok I did i don't see a pattern

One Two Nine
Three Four Twenty
Five Six Twelve
Seventeen Twelve ?
 
Count the number of letters then think what operation could generate the required answer
 
Ah I see thanks! So the answer is 9 * 6 = 54
 

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