Day 8: The Storage Matrix
Act II: Reversing the Supply Chain
Location: Warehouse B, Speicherstadt
Warehouse B is huge. It houses Hamburg’s presents across multiple climate-controlled storage rooms, each optimized for different types of gifts: electronics, textiles, and perishable goods.
You enter through a security checkpoint. Inside, the scale is overwhelming: a three-story atrium filled with automated storage racks extending in every direction.
The Grinch appears on the monitor, looking like he’s in the middle of a spa day. He has cucumber slices on his eyes.
System Message from CEO
“Ugh. You again?
Welcome to Warehouse B. This is where I store the really tricky stuff.
Warehouse A was simple algebra. Warehouse B is a Multi-Variable Nightmare. I’ve hidden presents in Room X, Room Y, and Room Z, and I’ve linked their door codes together. You can’t open one without balancing the others.
It’s called ‘Systems of Equations,’ and honestly, it’s too sophisticated for you.
Go ahead, try to balance the load. I bet you’ll just trip the breaker and lock everything down permanently.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my cucumber slices are getting warm.” – GR
The Challenge
Three subsystems control Warehouse B’s locks. You must solve systems of equations to find the hidden inventory.
Task a) Inventory Distribution
The Grinch has split 150 confiscated presents between Room A and Room B.
- Equation 1: Total presents: \(A + B = 150\)
- Equation 2: Room A has 20 more presents than Room B (\(A = B + 20\))
Grinch’s Note: “Substitution method. If you’re struggling, maybe take up knitting instead.”
Objective: Find the exact number of presents in each room to override the lock.
Task b) Power Distribution System
The climate control for Sections X, Y, and Z is interlinked. You must solve for power levels (\(x, y, z\)) to prevent overheating.
- \(x + y + z = 12\)
- \(2x - y + z = 7\)
- \(x + 2y - z = 6\)
Grinch’s Note: “Three equations, three unknowns. Elimination or substitution, your choice. I personally use elimination because it feels more aggressive. Like mathematically eliminating hope.”
Task c) Parallel Processing Paradox
The Grinch has set up two sorting lines that are graphically represented as parallel lines.
Grinch’s Note: “Think about what that means for a system of equations. Same slope, different intercepts. The geometry tells you everything about the algebra. It’s poetic, really. In a depressing way.”
Status Update
You hit Enter.
The warehouse lights flicker from red to green. The massive doors to Rooms A, B, X, Y, and Z slide open. Inside, thousands of presents sit on shelves, waiting to be rescued.
The Grinch appears on screen. He takes a bite of a cucumber slice.
System Message from CEO
“Crunchy.
Also, I hate you.
You solved a 3-variable system? With elimination? Ugh. You’re like a human calculator, but with less personality.
Fine. Warehouse B is compromised. But here’s the thing about Warehouse C… it’s not just robots. I have people working there. Human employees. And let’s just say, human problems are rarely linear.
Tomorrow, you’ll face Quadratic Equations. Because nothing says ‘I’m ruining your day’ like parabolas.
Don’t be late.” – GR
System Status:
- Warehouse B: UNLOCKED
- Inventory Recovered: 4,200 units
- Total Rescued: 6,700 / 15,000