Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!convex!egsner!montagar!davidc From: davidc@montagar.lonestar.org (David L. Cathey, SYSOP) Newsgroups: comp.compression Subject: Re: Integer not expressable in less than 13 words Message-ID: <16446.280f39ef@montagar.lonestar.org> Date: 19 Apr 91 18:41:50 GMT References: <1991Apr16.140125.17898@convex.com> <15869@smoke.brl.mil> <1991Apr18.210832.9918@shl.com> Organization: Public Access VAX/VMS BBS, Plano TX Lines: 28 In article <1991Apr18.210832.9918@shl.com>, gardner@shl.com (Gardner Buchanan) writes: >>So, what is the least positive integer not expressable in less than 13 >>English words? > > I think it's 121,121,121; assuming you don't use "and": > > One hundred twenty one million one hundred twenty one thousand > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > > one hundred twenty one > 11 12 13 14 > But if you change to a different base, which is mathematically valid, you can represent the same number in less words! 121,121,121 = 0x7382961 = seven three eight two nine six one hex :-) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Just kidding, I think you are correct based on the intended premise of the question. > Gardner Buchanan gardner@shl.com > Systemhouse, Ottawa > (613) 236-6604 x375 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - David L. Cathey |INET: davidc@montagar.lonestar.org Don't blame me! I voted for Bill and |UUCP: ...!texsun!montagar!davidc Opus for President! Ack! Thhrrptt! |Fone: (214)-618-2117