Road Sign Math

The hunt for mathematically significant roadsigns is a bug that bites some people worse than others. Particularly problematic is when that bug bites us and we have no particular need for a road trip! When the time comes to go on the hunt during a drive the excitement, and potential feeling of failure, can be too much. Dave Oosterhuis, first time sign winner, gives this account of his wonderful find.

Dear Road Sign Math,

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this sign. It had been a long, dull trip from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor and back. Looking for signs had helped keep me alert, but after twenty-something hours of driving I was beginning to despair. Then I saw this! What a thrill! I don’t have a GPS, but it’s about 17 miles from the MN-WI border on I-94 westbound. In Wisconsin, I should add, making it perhaps the first recorded in that state? I hope the picture, taken at speed at night, is sufficient. Otherwise I could probably take a Sunday drive back out there.

Yours,

Dave Oosterhuis

No need for a new photo Dave, and yes, you are the first person to put Wisconsin on the board! A gold star for you! Keep sending in the signs!

Note: the photograph was taken at night.

This is a wonderful example of simple math that should just knock people down when they see it. Remember that the 95 is disregarded due to rule 4.

15 + 16 = 31

This sign is found heading westbound on I-94 in Wisconsin just prior to crossing the river into Minnesota. The GPS coordinates are approximately N44 56 30.9 W92 26 47.1. See sign on map!