Strange Douglas Adams Question on University Challenge

[Tony2or4]

In one of the episodes of the Christmas Special series of University Challenge, during December just gone, J.Paxman asked a strange question which went something like this:

"A Douglas Adams afficionado decided to invest £42. He received £850. How much did he invest?". After a few seconds of thought, one of the contestants buzzed in with the answer (something like) "£357", and Paxman said "Correct!" - but then failed to explain the question/answer.

I've probably got the figures wrong (apart from the 42) and even the structure of the question itself - thereby illustrating the extent of my confusion - but is there anybody out there who remembers this question and can explain it??

[Simpo Two]

Should have been 42 I'd have thought. Unless it refers to a section in the book.

Incidentally stumbed on a new (well new to me) version of the Guide on TV yesterday with the bloke who plays Dr Watson in the new Sherlock series. Very good.

[telecat]

That's the film released in 2005. Not that new. I have a copy but have never watched it. Birthday Present because I'm, into Sci-Fi. Shame I'm not into Douglas Adams.

[shoggoth1]

telecat said:

Shame I'm not into Douglas Adams.

You're probably fine to watch the film adaption then.

[Zaxxon]

telecat said:

I'm, into Sci-Fi........I'm not into Douglas Adams.

Oxymoron

[bint]

shoggoth1 said:

You're probably fine to watch the film adaption then.

I doubt it, it's a godawful film.

[telecat]

bint said:

shoggoth1 said:

You're probably fine to watch the film adaption then.

I doubt it, it's a godawful film.

Yet, Strangely successful....

[ThunderSpook]

telecat said:

bint said:

shoggoth1 said:

You're probably fine to watch the film adaption then.

I doubt it, it's a godawful film.

Yet, Strangely successful....

Yet dire.