Road Sign Math

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Mass Pike Root

July 20th, 2005 · 3 Comments

Massachusetts

This sign from the Massachusetts Turnpike is submitted by first-time Road Sign Math enthusiast, Randy Weiss. It really seems that there is a fever for mathematically significant roadsigns in the Northeast. When Road Sign Math debuted an early visitor commented that this game would not be very worthwhile on the east coast since the cities were close together, unlike the midwest. The reality however is that the northeast represents far more signs than the rest of the country so far.

The math here isn’t immediately obvious. But the key is held in the number 11. This sign is a very elegant sign — the type of sign that inspired the creation of this site.

\sqrt { 122 - 1 } = 11

This sign is found on the Massachusetts Turnpike 1-mile away from Exit 11 heading westbound. The GPS coordinates are approximately N42 13 24.0 W71 43 10.7. See sign on map!

Ed.: This sign ties Massachusetts with New Mexico, with 5 signs each for 2nd behind Pennsylvania with an amazing 11 signs!

Tags: Massachusetts

3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Jim Bernard // Jul 25, 2005 at 8:58 pm

    Way to go Randy!
  • 2 Chris // Oct 20, 2005 at 5:28 pm

    Conversely, it can be 11^2+1=122
  • 3 RSM // Oct 21, 2005 at 7:20 am

    Actually, 11 ^ 2 + 1 = 122 is not valid, there is no 2 on the sign to make the square work.

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