There is a tug-o-war competition consisting of rounds upon round that all end in a draw meaning both sides end in equal strength. There are several people of exactly equal strength and are represented by the same symbol. (i.e. all * pull the same, but a * and a @ must be different) Each team is representeed by a series of symbols followed by a dashed line being the rope. On the other side of the rope is the team that was equally matched in strength. Here are some of those rounds:
*%-----$
$$$-------@%*%@
@-------!*
Again remembering that ll of the above are ties, and assume that position on the rope doesn't matter, who will win the following match?
!@!!@!-------%$*$

DJ is on to something.
Break down the competitions into equasions:
* + % + $;
$ + $ + $ = @ + @ + % + % + *;
@ = ! + *.
So far, we can say the basic values are *, !, and %. But what value can be placed on % ? If we factor out the second line-
3$=2@+2%+*
is the same as
* + * + * + % + % + % = ! + ! + % + % + * + * + *
To find %, cancel common values, leaving
% = ! + !.
Now, rewrite the original question:
4! + 2@ vs. 2$ + % + *
is the same as saying
6! + 2* vs. 6! + 3*.
At this point, we can see that
6! + 2* > 6! + 3* thus, %$*$ is the victor. Coffee anyone?

Posted by Chris on 2003-06-23 00:40:53