Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ

A GROUP of friends stand in line, each holding a number written on a
card.

Alan’s number is the square root of one more than the number that Brian
holds.

Brian’s number is the square root of four more than Colin’s number.

Colin’s number is the square root of 16 more than Dave’s number.

Dave’s number is the square root of 64 more than Eric’s number.

This is virtual reality, where even the impossible is easy. The line is
infinitely long, and the constant 1,4,16,64 … increases by a factor of four
at each step.

What is Alan’s number?

A £10 book token will be awarded to the sender of the first correct
answer opened on Thursday 11 April. The Editor’s decision is final. Please
send entries to Enigma 865 New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ, King’s Reach Tower, Stamford Street,
London SE99 0BB. The winner of Enigma 859 was Martin Reddy of Edinburgh.

Answer to Enigma 859

Oh Lucky Day!

16th January 1983