Dr. Evil's Computer--->Math Puzzle

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greatwhiteshark

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May 8, 2005
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Dr. Evil protects his computer system from those pesky spies by
incorporating a secret code that only he knows how to work out. Two numbersappear on his screen, and he can`t log in until he types in a third number, related to the first two.

However, certain a spy kept an eye on him as he entered the secret code
several times. For instance, when 1 and 2 appeared on the screen, he typed in 9 to log in. When 3 and 4 appeared, he typed in 20. When 5 and 6
appeared, he typed in 12.

Finally, when it was safe to do so, the spy broke in and started up the
computer. The numbers 17 and 12 appeared on the screen.

What number should the spy type in to gain access to Dr. Evil`s computer?
 
greatwhiteshark said:
Dr. Evil protects his computer system from those pesky spies by
incorporating a secret code that only he knows how to work out. Two numbersappear on his screen, and he can`t log in until he types in a third number, related to the first two.
However, certain a spy kept an eye on him as he entered the secret code
several times. For instance, when 1 and 2 appeared on the screen, he typed in 9 to log in. When 3 and 4 appeared, he typed in 20. When 5 and 6
appeared, he typed in 12.
Finally, when it was safe to do so, the spy broke in and started up the
computer. The numbers 17 and 12 appeared on the screen.
What number should the spy type in to gain access to Dr. Evil`s computer?
Click to expand...
Some "contortion" applied to:
1 and 2 = 9
3 and 4 = 20
5 and 6 = 12
We need the same contortion applied to 17 and 12 : 17 and 12 = ?

I tried a few things, like the product of the 2 numbers written in a certain
base, but can't come up with anything...

Do you know if the solution is mathematical, or can it be a "trick",
like 1 = one = 3 letters ?
If so, then I think this works:
1 = one = 3, 2 = two = 3; 3 * 3 = 9
3 = three = 5, 4 = four = 4; 5 * 4 = 20
5 = five = 4; 6 = six = 3; 4 * 3 = 12

so 17 = seventeen = 9, 12 = twelve = 6; 9 * 6 = 54 would be solution.
 
Denis...

You got it! Boy, there are smart people in this world. Too bad I am NOT one of them because I surely do love math.
 
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