Unlike Roman, Maya or Iñupiaq numerals, this isn’t a total reimagining of numbers. Instead, it’s an uncanny parallel universe. Any number without zeros retains its old appearance (1,776 is still 1,776 ...

Jeff Smith is a former Math teacher and a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander. Reach him at [email protected].

But not long ago someone made the discovery that the North Pole is not the only starting point that satisfies the given ...

February 2, 2025 • NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz and Lauren Cusitello of San Diego, Cali.