Each graph encodes the numbers 1-26 in the non-black nodes, with each section using a different number system. These numbers can then be converted to letters A-Z as usual. Solvers must use the structure of the graph, along with the given "X", to determine which letter corresponds to "x". Putting these x values within each section gives a string spelling out a number in that system, which can then in turn be converted back to a letter:
Number system | x values | As decimal | Letter |
---|---|---|---|
A-Z (effectively base 26) | THEANSWERIS | - | - |
decimal | SIX | 6 | F |
binary | ONE | 1 | A |
ternary | ONEZEROTWO | 11 | K |
balanced ternary | POSNEGNEG | 5 | E |
factorial base | TWOZEROZERO | 12 | L |
base -4 | ONETWOONE | 9 | I |
roman numerals | VI | 6 | F |
Fibonacci base | ONEZEROZEROZERO | 5 | E |
The answer is FAKE LIFE.