Terminus Math Puzzle — How the Formulas Work
Understand the 3 equations behind the Terminus puzzle in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024) Zombies
The 3 Terminus Formulas Explained
The Terminus puzzle uses three variables — X, Y, and Z — each assigned one of 6 symbol values: 0, 10, 11, 20, 21, or 22. These symbols are found on sticky notes in the Research Office. The three formulas below convert your symbol values into a 3-digit code.
Formula 1: 2X + 11
How it works: Take the X value, multiply by 2, then add 11.
Why +11? 11 is a constant offset. Even if X = 0, you still get a code of 11. This ensures the first code is always at least 11.
Formula 2: (2Z + Y) - 5
How it works: Double the Z value, add the Y value, then subtract 5.
Note: This formula uses both Z and Y. The -5 offset means when both are 0, the result is -5. Yes, the code can be negative.
Formula 3: |Y + Z - X|
How it works: Add Y and Z, subtract X, then take the absolute value (remove the negative sign if the result is negative).
What's absolute value? It means "distance from zero." So |-22| = 22 and |23| = 23. The result is always 0 or positive.
Worked Examples
Practice with these real symbol combinations
Example: X = 10, Y = 22, Z = 11
Enter on terminal: 31 — 39 — 23
More Examples
| X | Y | Z | 2X+11 | (2Z+Y)-5 | |Y+Z-X| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | -5 | 0 |
| 10 | 22 | 11 | 31 | 39 | 23 |
| 22 | 0 | 10 | 55 | 15 | 12 |
| 11 | 20 | 21 | 33 | 57 | 30 |
| 20 | 11 | 0 | 51 | 6 | 9 |
| 0 | 22 | 22 | 11 | 61 | 44 |
Too much math during a zombie round? Use our free Terminus Calculator — just tap 3 symbols and get the code. Or check the full reference table for all 216 combinations.
Terminus Symbol Values
Match the symbols on your sticky notes to these values