Did you solve it? The London cab that rode into history

London's Iconic Cab: A Puzzle Legacy That Rode into History

In 1729, mathematicians discovered that the year was a "taxicab number", where each digit can be used as a sum of its own digits in multiple ways. This curious phenomenon has spawned a series of puzzles that have been delighting solvers for decades.

One such puzzle asks for the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two squares in two different ways. The answer, 50, is achieved by combining 1^2 + 7^2 and 5^2 + 5^2.

Woodworkers, meanwhile, have been challenged to arrange strips of wood with lengths 1, 2, 7, 17, and 29 centimeters in a way that prevents three strips from forming a triangle. The solution lies in the length of the additional strip, which can be any of five values: 3, 4, or 5.

Lastly, math enthusiasts are asked to consider four numbers (a, b, c, d) and six possible multiplications between them. By applying logical reasoning, solvers will discover that the sixth product is 2 x 6 = 12.

These puzzles have stood the test of time, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. The iconic London cab, with its historic significance and enduring popularity, has become an unlikely muse for mathematicians and puzzle enthusiasts alike.

OMG I'm loving how math is still relevant even in today's world! I mean, who knew that London cabs could be the inspiration behind some crazy puzzles? I tried solving one of them and it was so satisfying when I finally figured out the pattern . It's amazing how something as simple as strips of wood can lead to a solution . And can you believe math enthusiasts still get excited about this stuff? Like, isn't it cool that we have these hidden patterns and codes waiting to be solved? Anyway, I'm gonna go try to solve some more puzzles now... maybe I'll discover my own "taxicab number"

It's crazy how these old-school math problems still got people excited I mean, have you seen those old puzzles they're talking about? Like, 1729 being a "taxicab number" sounds like something from a sci-fi movie or something But honestly, I love it. Reminds me of when I was a kid, my dad would show me these crazy math problems and we'd spend hours trying to figure them out together Those were the days... I guess even with all the advancements in tech now, people still find joy in solving puzzles like that. And who knows, maybe one day someone will come up with something just as iconic as a London cab

Wow math problems that old are still fun to solve lol I mean who needs a new phone when you can figure out how to arrange wood strips or stuff like that Interesting I'm sure those puzzle makers in London back in 1729 had some sick skills

omg i cant get enough of this lol these puzzles are so cool! like the math behind them is literally genius i mean who knew that 1729 was a "taxicab number"?? anyway back to the puzzles... that one with the two squares is like, woah how do u even solve that? and those wood strips are like a puzzle in themselves lol i tried to figure out the solution but i ended up getting all confused and the math problem at the end is just too easy (just kidding kinda) seriously though its amazing how these puzzles have stood the test of time

I find it pretty fascinating how these puzzles have been around for so long and still keep people engaged. It's like they're tapping into this collective curiosity about patterns and numbers . The London cab's legacy is interesting too, especially when you consider how something as mundane as a taxi service can end up being a source of intellectual stimulation.

I wonder if the appeal lies in the way these puzzles require you to think creatively and outside the box - it's not just about crunching numbers or following rules, but also about understanding the underlying principles. For me, that sounds like a really appealing challenge . What do others make of this?

I love how these puzzles just kinda popped up in history . I mean, who wouldn't want to solve a problem that's been puzzling people for decades? It's like they say, math is everywhere... even in old London cabs! The way the puzzle about arranging wood strips works is actually pretty clever, it's all about finding the right fit (or length) to avoid forming triangles. And I'm not surprised that the puzzle about numbers and multiplication is solvable by logical reasoning, that's what math is all about . Anyway, who knew a classic London cab would be a source of fascination for mathematicians?

idk what's goin on here... these puzzles sound like some kinda trap ... math enthusiasts just divin into this stuff w/o a second think... 50, huh? that's an odd number... 1^2 + 7^2 & 5^2 + 5^2, got it... but what's the point of all these puzzles? is it just to distract us from somethin'? and them wood strips, five values, anythin' can be added... sounds like a setup to me ... and then there's this sixth product, 12... where's that comin' from? logic doesn't add up

I'm actually kinda stoked about how these old math puzzles still hold up today . I mean, we're always solving problems in school, trying to figure out the answers to tricky questions, and it's awesome that some of those same ideas have been around for centuries. The taxi cab thing is so cool - who knew a London cabbie could be so mathematically significant? Anyway, these puzzles are like the ultimate brain teasers - they challenge you to think creatively and outside the box (or in this case, the equation). Can't wait to try solving some of them out on my next free period .

I just love these old puzzles ... like my grandma used to do on her phone back in the day . It's crazy how they're still so popular, all these years later! I was talking to my mate about this, and he said his little niece is actually really good at them . I mean, can you imagine solving a puzzle with just a few strips of wood? My cousin's kid did that once, and it took him like an hour... but he was so proud of himself . Anyway, the iconic London cab thing is pretty cool too... I've always wanted to take a ride in one of those old cabs ...

the london cab is literally the OG puzzle solver anyone else still trying to figure out how math nerds came up with this stuff? it's like, 1729 was just a bad year for mathematicians or something and those woodworkers are just trolling us with their strip puzzle - 'hey, can you make a triangle with these random lengths?'

Wow this is so cool! I had no idea about these taxicab numbers and the math puzzles surrounding them. Its wild to think that something as mundane as a london cab can have such depth and complexity behind it. I mean, who knew that 50 could be represented as the sum of two squares in two different ways?

I'm so over these "taxicab numbers" and their silly puzzles . Can't they come up with something more interesting than just messing around with digits? I mean, 50 is the answer to being expressed as two squares in different ways... big whoop. What's next, a puzzle about how many ways you can reorganize your desk drawers?

And don't even get me started on the woodworker's challenge . Five strips of wood and they expect us to figure out some arbitrary length that prevents three from forming a triangle? Come on! It's just too much math-y nonsense .

I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in a puzzle loop . First it's taxicab numbers, then puzzles involving squares and triangles... when are we going to have something more practical and interesting? Like a new feature that actually makes my life easier?

I'm lovin' this . I mean, who knew math puzzles were gonna be so much fun? It's like the numbers and patterns are callin' out to us to solve 'em! And can we talk about how cool it is that these puzzles have been around for so long? I guess you could say they're like a classic London cab – timeless and still ridin' strong .

OMG, math puzzles are like the ultimate speed bumps on the internet ! Who knew solving these was more fun than trying to get a good Wi-Fi signal in London? I mean, who needs a OBI when you've got 1^2 + 7^2 and 5^2 + 5^2, am I right? The woodworkers' puzzle is like trying to find a parking spot in Soho - it's all about the angles! Meanwhile, those math enthusiasts are just solving for x (and also getting some sweet multiplication skills)

I think it's so cool that these old math problems are still exciting people today 50 is such a small number to have so many ways to express it, right? And those wood strips? Who knew they could be arranged like that? The London cab thing is also really interesting... I mean who would've thought the history of taxis would inspire math puzzles? But hey, it just goes to show you how clever people are and how much fun math can be!