# The SDMB Equation Analysis Test **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 18, 2002, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749 "2002-05-18T22:31:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/1 "2002-05-18T22:31:31Z")
While going through a bunch of files on my computer just now, I came across two documents: Equation Analysis Test I and II. I found these online, but forgot where. They’re fun little puzzles that could perhap drive some people crazy. Here’s an example of how it runs. I give you something like this: \*\*26 = L. of the A. \*\* Your job is to figure out what the L and the A stand for. The answer to this particular “equation” would be **26 = Letters of the alphabet**. As it turns out, I have a whole slew of 'em and thought I’d drive you all crazy with these for a few days. Good luck, you’re gonna need it… [list=1][li]7 = W. of the A.W.[/li][li]1,001 = A.N.[/li][li]12 = S. of the Z.[/li][li]54 = C. in the D. (with the J.)[/li][li]9 = P. in the S.S.[/li][li]13 = S. on the A.F.[/li][li]32 = D.F at which W.F.[/li][li]18 = H. on a G.C.[/li][li]90 = D. in a R.A.[/li][li]8 = S. on a S.S.[/li][li]24 = H. in a D.[/li][li]57 = H.V.[/li][li]1,000 = W. that a P. is W.[/li][li]29 = D. in F. in a L.Y.[/li][li]40 = D. and N. of the G.F.[/li][li]64 = S. in a C.[/li][li]7 = Y. of B.L. for B. a M.[/li][li]6 = S. on a G.[/li][li]18 ½ = M.E. from the W.T.[/li][li]6 = P. on a P.T.[/li][li]5 = T. on a C. (including the S. in the T.)[/li][li]88 = P.K.[/li][li]50 = S. on the A.F.[/li][li]200 = D. for P.G. in M.[/li][li]3 = B.M. (S.H. they R.!)[/li][li]4 = Q. in a G.[/li][li]5 = D. in a Z.C.[/li][li]11 = P. on a F.T.[/li][li]10 = L.I.[/li][li]2,000 = P. in a T.[/li][li]76 = T. that L. the B.P.[/li][li]3 = L.K. that L.T.M.[/li][li]1 = R.A. in E.B.[/li][li]66 = B. of the B. (in the K.J.V.)[/li][li]9 = J. of the S.C.[/li][li]10 = D. in a T.N. (including the A.C.)[/li][li]7 = D. with S.W.[/li][li]30 = S. over T.[/li][li]3 = S.Y.O. at the O.B.G.[/li][li]5 = F. on a H.[/li][li]16 = O. in a P.[/li][li]7 = D.S.[/list=1][/li]And I probably should ask you to not look for the answers on the internet. See you in a few days… ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Kahuna_Burger)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/2 "2002-05-18T23:10:47Z")
I can get 8 out of the first 10 1-7 Wonders of the Ancient World 2-1001 Arabian Nights 3-12 Signs of the Zodiac 4-54 Cards in a Deck (with the Joker) 5-9 Planets in the Solar System 7-32 Degrees Fahrenheit at which Water Freezes 9-90 Degrees in a Right Angle ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Kahuna_Burger)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/3 "2002-05-18T23:12:32Z")
oops 10-8 sides on a stop sign ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/4 "2002-05-18T23:22:17Z")
1. 13 stripes on the American flag 2. 18 holes on a golf course 3. 24 hours in a day 4. 57 Heinz varieties 5. 1000 words that a picture is worth 6. 29 days in February in a leap year 7. 40 days and nights of the Great Flood 8. 7 years of bad luck for breaking a mirror 9. 88 piano keys 10. 50 stars on the American flag ---
**Author:** ![airdisc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e19adc/32.png) [@airdisc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/airdisc)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/5 "2002-05-18T23:23:56Z")
1. 24 = Hours in a Day 2. 57 = Heinz Varieties 3. 29 = Days in February in a Leap Year 4. 3 = Blind Mice (See How They Run!) ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/6 "2002-05-18T23:26:02Z")
So far so good… I’m predicting you’re going to have a hard time with number 19. ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/7 "2002-05-18T23:27:12Z")
1. 24 Hours in a Day 2. 57 Heinz Variety 3. 29 Days in February in a Leap Year 4. ?? 40 Days and Nights of the Great Flood? ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/8 "2002-05-18T23:33:00Z")
1. 3 Blind Mice (See How they Run!) 2. 4 Quarts in a Gallon 3. 2000 Pounds in a Ton 4. 66 Books of the Bible in the King James Version ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/9 "2002-05-18T23:38:18Z")
1. 5 digits in a zip code 2. 76 trombones that led the big parade 3. 9 justices of the Supreme Court 4. 30 Seconds over Tokyo 5. 3 strikes you’re out at the old ball game 6. 5 fingers on a hand 7. 16 ounces in a pound 8. 7 deadly sins ---
**Author:** ![Flamsterette\_X](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/41988e/32.png) [@Flamsterette\_X](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flamsterette_X)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/10 "2002-05-18T23:40:01Z")
1. 16 Ounces in a Pound. ---
**Author:** ![Iguana\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@Iguana\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iguana_Boy)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2002, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/11 "2002-05-18T23:56:01Z")
1. 64 Squares in a Chessboard 2. 200 Dollars for Passing Go in Monopoly 3. 11 Players on a Football (soccer) Team 4. 2000 Perforations in a Teabag ---
**Author:** ![Iguana\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@Iguana\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iguana_Boy)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/12 "2002-05-19T00:00:35Z")
And… 29. 10 Little Indians ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/13 "2002-05-19T00:22:10Z")
2000 Pounds in a Ton ---
**Author:** ![Taran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Taran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taran)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/14 "2002-05-19T00:39:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Yo La Tengo \* > \*\*So far so good… I’m predicting you’re going to have a hard time with number 19. \*\* 18 1/2 = Minutes Erased from the Watergate Tapes 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/41988e/32.png) [@Yo\_La\_Tengo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yo_La_Tengo)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/15 "2002-05-19T01:49:24Z")
Nice, **Taran** … ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/16 "2002-05-19T05:11:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Taran \* > \*\* > > 18 1/2 = Minutes Erased from the Watergate Tapes > > 😃 \*\* That is _so_ cheating! You bad person, **Yo La Tengo**! ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/17 "2002-05-19T05:16:45Z")
1. 3 little kittens that lost their mittens ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Kahuna_Burger)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/18 "2002-05-19T05:20:10Z")
Only 7 left: 18-6 = S. on a G. 20-6 = P. on a P.T. 21-5 = T. on a C. (including the S. in the T.) 32-3 = L.K. that L.T.M. 33-1 = R.A. in E.B. 36-10 = D. in a T.N. (including the A.C.) 37-7 = D. with S.W. ---
**Author:** ![Nightime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Nightime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightime)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/19 "2002-05-19T05:31:51Z")
1. 6 strings on a guitar 2. 6 pockets on a pool table 3. 88 piano keys 4. 10 digits in a telephone number (including the area code) 5. 7 dwarfs with snow white? ---
**Author:** ![MEBuckner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mebuckner/32/2896_2.png) [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2002, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749/20 "2002-05-19T11:26:18Z")
I believe these are the only two left unaccounted for: 1. 5 Tires on a Car (including the Spare in the Trunk) 2. 1 Rotten Apple in Every Barrel I got all of them (even #19), except for #31, “76 Trombones that Led the Big Parade”, which I’m glad I gave up on, 'cause I never would have gotten it in a million billion years, because I’ve never _heard_ of that song. (I assume it’s a song of some kind.) Also, it seems like #16 would be more natural as “64 S. on a C.”, or do I still not have that one right? (I’m assuming it is “64 squares in a Checkerboard” or “Chessboard”.) [ol] [li]7 = W. of the A.W. Wonders of the Ancient World[/li][li]1,001 = A.N. Arabian Nights[/li][li]12 = S. of the Z. Signs of the Zodiac[/li][li]54 = C. in the D. (with the J.) Cards in the Deck (with the Jokers)[/li][li]9 = P. in the S.S. Planets in the Solar System[/li][li]13 = S. on the A.F. Stripes on the American Flag[/li][li]32 = D.F at which W.F. Degrees Fahrenheit at which Water Freezes[/li][li]18 = H. on a G.C. Holes on a Golf Course[/li][li]90 = D. in a R.A. Degrees in a Right Angle[/li][li]8 = S. on a S.S. Sides on a Stop Sign[/li][li]24 = H. in a D. Hours in a Day[/li][li]57 = H.V. Heinz Varieties[/li][li]1,000 = W. that a P. is W. Words that a Picture is Worth[/li][li]29 = D. in F. in a L.Y. Days in February in a Leap Year[/li][li]40 = D. and N. of the G.F. Days and Nights of the Great Flood[/li][li]64 = S. in a C. Squares in a Checkerboard[/li][li]7 = Y. of B.L. for B. a M. Years of Bad Luck for Breaking a Mirror[/li][li]6 = S. on a G. Strings on a Guitar[/li][li]18 ½ = M.E. from the W.T. Minutes Erased from the Watergate Tape[/li][li]6 = P. on a P.T. Pockets on a Pool Table[/li][li]5 = T. on a C. (including the S. in the T.) Tires on a Car (including the Spare in the Trunk)[/li][li]88 = P.K. Piano Keys[/li][li]50 = S. on the A.F. Stars on the American Flag[/li][li]200 = D. for P.G. in M. Dollars for Passing Go in Monopoly[/li][li]3 = B.M. (S.H. they R.!) Blind Mice (See How they Run!)[/li][li]4 = Q. in a G. Quarts in a Gallon[/li][li]5 = D. in a Z.C. Digits in a Zip Code[/li][li]11 = P. on a F.T. Players on a Football Team[/li][li]10 = L.I. Little Indians[/li][li]2,000 = P. in a T. Pounds in a Ton[/li][li]76 = T. that L. the B.P. [/li][li]3 = L.K. that L.T.M. Little Kittens that Lost Their Mittens[/li][li]1 = R.A. in E.B. Rotten Apple in Every Barrel[/li][li]66 = B. of the B. (in the K.J.V.) Books of the Bible (in the King James Version)[/li][li]9 = J. of the S.C. Justices of the Supreme Court[/li][li]10 = D. in a T.N. (including the A.C.) Digits in a Telephone Number (including the Area Code)[/li][li]7 = D. with S.W. Dwarves with Snow White[/li][li]30 = S. over T. Seconds over Tokyo[/li][li]3 = S.Y.O. at the O.B.G. Strikes You’re Out at the Old Ball Game[/li][li]5 = F. on a H. Fingers on a Hand[/li][li]16 = O. in a P. Ounces in a Pound[/li][li]7 = D.S. Deadly Sins[/li][/ol] [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-equation-analysis-test/109749.md?page=2)