Alexis Kestler
The Password Game by social media wunderkind Neal Agarwal has taken the internet by storm. This clever browser-based puzzle challenges players to create a password that follows an increasingly absurd set of constraints. By level 9, you face the doozy of a rule: "The roman numerals in your password should multiply to 35."
If your only experience with roman numerals is puzzling over Super Bowl LVI, this requirement can be vexxing. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide straight from the gaming trenches, you‘ll unlock the secrets of roman numerals and learn multiple strategies for crafting a compliant password.
Get ready to channel your inner codebreaker and conquer level 9!
A Brief History of Roman Numerals
Before we dive into solving this roman numeral challenge, let‘s level up on background knowledge. The roman numeral system originated in (you guessed it) ancient Rome and was the standard way of writing numbers for centuries. It uses only seven letters:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1,000
Numbers are formed by combining these letters based on a few key rules:
- Letters are additive – II is 2, III is 3, VI is 6
- Smaller numerals in front of larger subtract – IV is 4, IX is 9
- Numerals cannot repeat more than 3 consecutive times
- M, C, and X cannot repeat consecutively
So XXXV represents 35 because:
X = 10
XX = 10 + 10 = 20
XXX = 10 + 10 + 10 = 30
V = 5
XXX + V = 30 + 5 = 35
After the fall of the Roman Empire around 500 AD, roman numerals continued to be used in Europe but were gradually replaced by the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. By the 14th century, Arabic numerals were dominant for math and accounting. However, roman numerals endured for applications like clocks, sequencing, cornerstones, and more.
Fun fact: As of 2022, roman numerals are still used on 45% of movie title copyright dates for that classic movie magic feeling.
Now that we‘ve reviewed the origin story, let‘s conquer this password puzzle!
Strategies for Success: Cracking the Roman Numeral Code
Implementing roman numerals in your password for The Password Game takes both an understanding of the roman system and creativity in applying the numerals. Here are my top tips and strategies from the password trenches:
Know Your Numerals Cold
Memorize the 7 roman numeral symbols, their values, the subtraction rule, and the limits on repetition. Burn XXXV = 35 into your brain. Having instant recall of roman numeral basics is key for rapid password creation.
Numerals Can Fit Anywhere
Roman numerals don‘t have to go at the beginning or end. Slot them into the middle of a word seamlessly like "eXXXVil" or "unfolXXXVing". Just be consistent once placed.
Mix It Up Like XXL Guac
Blend those numerals into words for a smooth delicious password. Some ideas:
- DrXXXVper
- TraXXXVyler
- XXXVlasic
- DaXXXVci
Go For Repeating Numerals
No one says you can only use XXXV once. Repeat it throughout your password phrase for amplification. For example:
- XXXV#123XXXV@XXXV
Piggyback Off Other Rules
Look for creative ways to double up on requirements. If you need a math symbol, use V. Or combine with emojis using V for victory/peace signs.
Watch For Conflicts
Before locked in, verify adding roman numerals doesn‘t break another rule like no duplicate letters. Keep the big password picture in mind.
Don‘t Panic! Substitute If Needed
If you‘re really stuck, substitute 35 in another form like Arabic numerals or spelled out. The rules allow flexibility so get creative.
Here are some examples of passwords at this stage that integrate XXXV while following all previous rules:
| Password | Analysis |
|---|---|
| DrXXXVperPass | Simple insertion into word |
| TraXXXVylerBron! | Repeats numeral |
| JaXXXV#XXXV@Harden | Combines with math symbol |
| LeBXXXVjamesXXXV23 | Uses beginning and end |
| DaXXXVncingXXXVQueen | Doubles as emoji |
Now let‘s look at some longer phrase examples:
| Password | Analysis |
|---|---|
| ToXXXVbeornottoXXXVbe!Thatisthe? | Shakespeare remix |
| XXXVeggieXXXVtaXXXVlesXXXVarXXXVyummy | Foodie password |
| LockXXXVdownyourdigitalXXXVlife | Security themed |
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid
While roman numerals provide endless creative options, it‘s useful to know the common mistakes to avoid:
-
Typos – It‘s easy to flub a numeral, especially with C, L, and V looking similar. Double check your work!
-
Wrong values – Accidentally using XL for 35 rather than XXXV will get you rejected faster than a bouncer at an exclusive club. Take your time.
-
Repetition limits – Numerals like X can‘t repeat more than 3 times in a row. XXXXX = bad news.
-
Conflicting rules – Again, adding numerals shouldn‘t break another rule if done carefully. But triple check.
With practice, using roman numerals will become as natural as I, II, III. For more examples and tips, check out my Ultimate Guide to Roman Numerals.
Crack the Code, Win the Game
As you can see, unlocking the secrets of roman numerals provides the key for tackling this Password Game level. By mastering numerals, strategically incorporating them into passphrases, and avoiding pitfalls, you‘ll be primed to crack the code. Your reward? Moving one step closer to completing this addictively absurd viral challenge.
So sharpen your password skills and flex your mental roman numerals. You‘ve got this! Just remember the wise guidance from noted philosopher Neal Agarwal: "A complex password is a happy password." Now go forth and continue your quest!
