Real-Life Number Puzzle: Solve It at Quizno's

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a framed plaque displaying a 3x3 grid of numbers found at Quizno's, specifically exploring its potential significance and the nature of its design, which some participants suggest may relate to magic squares. The conversation includes speculation about the reasons for its presence and the intentions behind its display.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of "33s" in the grid, suggesting a possible significance.
  • Another participant proposes that the grid may be a magic square, where the sum of each row, column, and diagonal equals a constant.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the significance of the matrix being displayed at Quizno's.
  • Two theories are presented regarding the plaque's origin: it could be a display of a manager's child's abilities or a gift from a math enthusiast.
  • Another participant suggests that the plaque may have been given as a good luck charm, with no mathematical significance intended by the giver.
  • Further speculation arises about the motivations behind the placement of the plaque, including alignment with Feng Shui principles.
  • One participant expresses disappointment upon learning that the plaque's significance may not be rooted in mathematical appreciation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus regarding the significance of the plaque or its intended purpose. Multiple competing views remain about its origins and meaning.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of magic squares and the motivations behind the plaque's display, which remain unresolved. There is also uncertainty regarding the mathematical implications of the grid.

DaveC426913
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I just bought lunch at Quizno's. On top of a cabinet, between the cash register and the fountaion drink machine, in essentially the most prominent place in the establishment is this little framed 3" square metal plaque. It's like a little boiler plate off a machine - the lettering is stamped into the metal.


This is what is on the plaque:

Code: 
12   7  14

13  11   9

 8  15  10
It is the numbers 8 through 15 arranged in a seemingly patternless 3x3 grid.

I have no idea what the purpose of this little plaque is. Takers?
 

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I see a lot of "33s" there. (8 of 'em)
 
Wow. Yeah. That's no coincidence.
 
Perhaps the display is not a functional component at all. Perhaps it is aesthetic.


It would appear to be a magic square...

Indeed, Googling "magic square 33" turns it up many times:
magic_square_33_poster-p228123842439730109t5wm_400.jpg
 
This looks to be what I heard to be called a Magic Square. It is a unique square matrix where the sum of any row, column, and diagonal will equal some constant. From what I know, this is the only requirement of the Magic Square however I have only seen ones where the constant that each row, column, and diagonal sum equals is

Matrix Constant= n(n^2+1)/2.

where n is the dimension of the square matrix (also I think a 2x2 doesn't exist, but 1,3,4,5,...etc does). Since this matrix satisfies the rule of Magic Squares. Then the question I would be curious to ask is what is the significance of this matrix being at Quizno's?
 
ksmith1281 said:
Then the question I would be curious to ask is what is the significance of this matrix being at Quizno's?

Two theories:

1] It is a proud display of some manager's child's abilities at either math or machine shop or both.

2] Some manager is a math buff and is just waiting for someone to ask what that plaque is for...
 
3] (The winner): It was a gift, as a good luck charm. The manager had no idea of the significance of the numbers until I pointed it out.
 
DaveC426913 said:
3] (The winner): It was a gift, as a good luck charm.

Did you ask if the gift was from,
1] some other manager's child's with the abilities at either math or machine shop or both.

2] Some other manager that is a math buff

?
 
dlgoff said:
Did you ask if the gift was from,
1] some other manager's child's with the abilities at either math or machine shop or both.

2] Some other manager that is a math buff

?

Well, she said that the person who gave it to her told her that she should put it in a prominent place and aligned with (I dunno, uh...) the Feng Shui of the establishment.

I gathered pretty quickly that there was no math appreciation in the giver here, simply some superstition around magic squares.
 
  • #10
DaveC426913 said:
Well, she said that the person who gave it to her told her that she should put it in a prominent place and aligned with (I dunno, uh...) the Feng Shui of the establishment.

I gathered pretty quickly that there was no math appreciation in the giver here, simply some superstition around magic squares.

OMG. I was hoping for [1]; some smart kid being involved. What a let down. :frown:
 

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