ABC Pace A theory on how the numbers tie into everything

[boltyyy]

This theory is not really really super duper based on the latest episode, rather its based on a video from back in '06. Nevertheless, there are some quotes from the episode in this post that would greatly spoil those who haven't watched the episode yet.

By the time I enter in the numbers, all lingering UK paced folk had better vanish like the island.

>: 4

>: 4 8

>: 4 8 15

>: 4 8 15 16

>: 4 8 15 16 23

>: 4 8 15 16 23 42

EXECUTE

__________________________________________________ _

Phew. I saved us all, brotha!

Anyway, time for the theory.

It is kind of unfinished because the transcript for the new episode is not yet out on Lostpedia so I can't get exact quotes, and I haven't been able to rewatch the episode yet.

Here we go, I'll try to make it as logically sound as possible:

We've got constants and variables so now it's time for answers.
__________________________________________________ _______

But hey wait! Don't you remember anything from school? When faced with an equation, it is not solvable without definition...substance...anchorage...relevance.

Every equation has a purpose which contributes to an overall goal: to solve a problem.
__________________________________________________ _______________

The problem could have multiple steps and multiple equations.
But first we need to find out which equation to use based on what is needed.

For example, if I want to find how many apples are in my basket and my brother's basket, I know that I am dealing with apples, I am dealing with a total value, and I finally decide to add...that is my equation.
__________________________________________________ ______

Things can be cancelled out, added to, and contorted in all sorts of ways...but it all works. Nothing is done out of random impulse.

If I have the equation 2X = 4, and I want X to equal 1, I can't just multiply the left by 2 because the right side must have the same change. Therefore, 1 is not a possible answer and must be eliminated. However, until we have that grounding...that constant of 2 times some number equals 4, X can be anything.

__________________________________________________ _______________

In short:
Step 1: Find what is needed
Step 2: Find the equation to satisfy that need
Step 3: Define your constants and variables
Step 4: Solve

So of course all we need is the formula, constants, and variables to LOST, and we will find our answer.

__________________________________________________ _____________

We really don't know the question, so how are we supposed to ask it...this is why I have resorted to square one rather than developed some crackpot theory based on the little hints that the writers have passed on to us.

Since this is lost, I think that they are going out of order on purpose...fueling us with just enough to make us realize that we have a problem, but exactly too little to do ANYTHING AT ALL.
But this makes sense because the whole show is out of order.

I do hypothesize that the question is How do we go about saving the world? And if you scroll to the bottom of this thread you will see why I think so. BUT read my theory first!!!

I only have a strongly supported theory for Step 3.

__________________________________________________ _______________

The Constants: 4 8 15 16 23 42
The Variable: People-more specifically the Losties (However, I think that there are environmental vactors as well)

• You see, no matter what the Losties do, they cannot escape the numbers. Hurley is the prime example, for they plagued him in the most obvious way. He tried to run away from his lotto winnings, and could not escape the disastrous effects. He even came a secluded island and found the numbers again. When Rousseau tried to tape a distress call over the numbers, the Losties cancelled it to reveal the numbers. No matter what time period the show takes place it, we ALWAYS have easter eggs in each episode that reference the numbers. (need I go on?)

__________________________________________________ ____________________

Got any rebuttals? Try these explanations on for size

• Why the Losties and not just "people" in general as Faraday says in the most recent episode? Because that is their destiny. While developing an equation is fine and good, if it is too broad, it does nothing. (Like that stupid Drake equation that means absolutley nothing) The losties are connected with this island, and the island's history of determination to save the human race. Therefore we must limit ourselves, rather than infinity, to just a few--probably 6.

• Why 6? There are six numbers. I think only the core six characters will live to the end of the problem. Of course they all start out involved, but as things are figured out, they can be cancelled out of the equation. Finally we will be left with just enough variables to apply to each constant, and we can then (and only then) compute our answer.

• Why the numbers? Well first of all, numbers by definition are constant. 2=2 because 2 is 2 and nothing more or less. You can change numbers, but only by adding, subtracting, etc., other numbers. Not through manipulation of that single number on its own.

So: The numbers are the same, and the Losties are changing. Therefore, the numbers and constants and the losties are variables.

__________________________________________________ ___________

Need more proof?

The Valenzetti Equation:

Originally Posted by LOSTPEDIA

The Valenzetti Equation is the mathematical equation developed by the reclusive Princeton University mathematician Enzo Valenzetti. Its creation was the result of efforts made following the Cuban Missile Crisis by the United States and the Soviet Union to find a solution to the hostility and danger of imminent global disaster created by the Cold War. The equation was secretly commissioned through the UN Security Council and is used to predict the time of human extinction.
According to the 1975 orientation film in the Sri Lanka Video, the Valenzetti Equation "predicts the exact number of years and months until humanity extinguishes itself." During the video, Alvar Hanso also states that the radio transmitter on the Island, will "broadcast the core numerical values of the Valenzetti Equation." The numbers, 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42, are explained in the Sri Lanka Video, as the numerical values to the core environmental and human factors of the Valenzetti Equation. Alvar Hanso also states in the video that the purpose of the DHARMA Initiative is to change the numerical values of any one of the core factors in the equation in order to give humanity a chance to survive by, effectively, changing doomsday. However, Thomas Mittelwerk reveals that as of 2006, they have failed to change the values through manipulating the environment, as the equation continues to arrive at the same six numbers. It is unknown how or if the most recent calculation of the equation is automatically reflected in the radio transmissions.
Rachel Blake also learned that the Hanso Foundation was forcing savants at the Vik Institute in Iceland to run the equation over and over. Somehow, five hieroglyphic symbols were involved in the calculations (Armand Zander described them as "representative"), the same hieroglyphs seen on the countdown timer in the Swan station.
The Blast Door Map included a reference to the equation; a zone on the island is marked as being of "low relevance to Valenzetti-related research activity".

How did I find out about this Valenzetti nonsense and all this involvement with the numbers?

Here ya go! WATCH IT, IT'S REALLY GOOD!

YouTube - Lost Experience: Sri Lanka Video (FULL)

This also answers why I propose that the question is How do we go about saving the world?"

Thanks for bearing with me and for reading the whole thing. If you skimmed then booooooooooooo you .

[KatesFate]

Wow boltyyy - This is quite possibly the most thought-out, well-researched and most logical explanation I have ever seen for the numbers. Great job. You really did your homework on this one.

Why 6? There are six numbers. I think only the core six characters will live to the end of the problem.

Out of curiousity, which six do you believe to be the core characters that will make it to the end?

I do agree that the ultimate question is how to save the world. They have hinted at this being a possibility often enough. They have even said that the ending of Lost would have global consequences.

Unfortunately I am unable to watch the vid as I still have an ancient dial-up connection, which I plan on switching as soon as I can.

[Mrs Sawyer]

Wow that is awesome like KsF said you have really done your homework!! The numbers are the main thing that i would like answered and i LOVE your theory!!!

Originally Posted by KatesFate

Out of curiousity, which six do you believe to be the core characters that will make it to the end?

Or could this be the Oceanic 6?!

[Indie]

That video is awesome

What are the six numbers and how do they fit into the equation and what is the relation of the issue to the number?

Is it years? Decades?

[Gazman]

Great thread Boltyyy - I'd read up on this myself before, but I'd never seen the video so thanks for that (who was secretly filming? - my immediate reaction was Kate. Who does everyone else think it was, assuming of course it is someone we know?)

Originally Posted by Indie88

What are the six numbers and how do they fit into the equation and what is the relation of the issue to the number?

That's what I want to know too!

What are the numbers place in the Valenzetti equation? What exactly do they correspond to in this equation of the end of the world?

This is so messed up!

[boltyyy]

Originally Posted by KatesFate

Wow boltyyy - This is quite possibly the most thought-out, well-researched and most logical explanation I have ever seen for the numbers. Great job. You really did your homework on this one.

Ah thank you I tried to avoid silly questions about ambiguity because I dont really like explaining myself twice.

Originally Posted by KatesFate

Out of curiousity, which six do you believe to be the core characters that will make it to the end?

Ah that's so hard. I think it's too close to call right now, but probably someone from the quadrangle because I feel like the only way to avoid these constant switches from person to person would be for one to die. Then of course a little trajedy for two to get together and one to be a loner. I'd love for sawyer to live as the loner, kate to die, and jack and juliet to be together. The thing about kate dying is I think it would really work because when I typed this I said to myself "where would the show be without an occational kate?" well exactly...the show wouldnt be anywhere so it can end. As for jack...same question, but he's more significant than kate and i want him with juliet. sawyer should be a loner, and he's harmless enough not to die.

Originally Posted by Indie88

What are the six numbers and how do they fit into the equation and what is the relation of the issue to the number?

Is it years? Decades?

If I only knew, rofl. Apparently is one of those little known, but tangible things that if you type it into google, all you get is lost stuff, and not a real background of it.

What would be cool would be if the egyptian references in lost were all actually MAYAN, and then the valenzetti was what they used to calculate armageddon (well not really, just the day that the calendar ends) which is december 21st 2012...the winter solstice.

If I had to guess units, it had better be as flippin accurate as possible if its calculating when the world is gonna end

Originally Posted by gazman_1874

(who was secretly filming? - my immediate reaction was Kate. Who does everyone else think it was, assuming of course it is someone we know?)

Gee I dunno...I've never heard kate scream, odds are she would have whipped out a gun. Maybe it's just a spy we don't know.

Originally Posted by gazman_1874

That's what I want to know too!

What are the numbers place in the Valenzetti equation? What exactly do they correspond to in this equation of the end of the world?

This is so messed up!

Haha this is so messed up!!

I dont understand what you mean when you say "what the numbers place in the valenzetti equation" because I think I've said that the numbers are 4,8,15,16,23,42.

Also remember that this "Equation" that I am proposing is metaphorical right now. Especially since people are variables. That means that we need physical info, sightings, tellings, and some secrets revealed. The "plugging in" occurs when our minds piece it all together. While the equation I think we're using IS the valenzetti, the way we use it will be more qualititative...if you kind of get what I'm saying. I'm being really unclear so if someone understands me and want to rephrase then go ahead.

As for what they correspond to, heck if I know...That's why I only said I had a theory for "Step 3" As for step 2 which is essentially what you're asking...I think the writers are purposefully holding back. There is still A LOT of essential information that we know absolutley nothing about so they've gotta spill before I guess.

[Indie]

Gazman, in all these videos, there's like one person alone (there's more than one, but they are all individual) trying to bring down "the organisation"; it's never someone you know from the cast.

[Gazman]

Thanks Indie88 for telling me that. It's the first I've really seen and dont quite get it. It was just an initial reaction so thanks for that.

Also Boltyyy - I know the numbers and the point of the equation, but I don't quite understand how the numbers fit into the equation. Are the numbers the answer to the equation, and if so what does this answer mean? Or are they the input to the equation (for example the constants that Faraday was talking about). If anyone knows for sure and I'm just completely missing something - please tell me! If nobody knows for sure, then lets hear your ideas!

[4815162342]

Wow, boltyyy. This is really well thought out! I believe you 100% now! I reaaaalllly like this theory!

[Toby]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Wow, boltyyy. This is really well thought out! I believe you 100% now! I reaaaalllly like this theory!

Welcome to the forum! You should have won username of teh year award! Your first nominee for next year

Anyway on topic: this theory simply works. Theres no denying that. The only problem I have with it is the other characters being cancelled/cancelling each other out. Seems too clincal for me; but thats not my logical brain talking, its my heart! My logical brain agrees.

My idea:
4S+8J+15K+16H+23Su+42T=108J'

Where:
S = Sawyer
J = Jack
K = Kate
H = Hurley
Su = Sun
T = Turniped
J' = John/Jacob

Or some variant on that . You got your variables and your constants.

[boltyyy]

if only it were that easy

[boltyyy]

Originally Posted by Me answering KsF's question...who do you think will die?

I think it's too close to call right now, but probably someone from the quadrangle because I feel like the only way to avoid these constant switches from person to person would be for one to die. Then of course a little trajedy for two to get together and one to be a loner.

Hey, look. I kinda sorta predicted this!! Except I suggested Kate and its actually Juliet.

[Reed]

Brilliant ideas boltyyy. I remember reading that explanation of the Numbers several years ago but I always believed they would be explained in the show. I really like your explanation of the 6 numbers and the O6 - I had not noticed this before - as well as the Variable and Constant issue. I think you are onto something here.