The Book of Abb/42

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{{Abb:Header|42}} 42 is the Answer to the Great Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Just remember that math tests do not usually ask the Great Question, so assuming "42" will probably fail you on such a test.

A misconception held by many is that 42 represents the Meaning of Life. First, 42 is an answer, not a meaning. Second, 42 is not only the answer to Life, it also takes the Universe and Everything into account. Therefore, the meaning of life could probably be determined by the following equation:

Life = 42 - (Universe + Everything)

Everything is defined as, well, everything, which presumably would be Life and the Universe.

Life = 42 - (Universe + (Life + Universe))

We can simplify the equation a bit:

Life = 42 - 2Universe + Life

We can subtract life from both sides:

0 = 42 - 2Universe

Then minus 42 from both sides

-42 = -2Universe

and then solve for the meaning of the Universe

21 = Universe

Given the meaning of the Universe, we return to our previous equation

Life = 42 - (Universe + (Life + Universe))

Substitute 21 for Universe

Life = 42 - (24 + Life + 24)

Simplify

Life = 42 - 42 + Life

And we obtain the meaning of life

Life = Life

And there we are.