[Closed] Math Incorrect for Parameter Wiring?

Hey fellas,

I've been working on a script that makes a light's color dependant on it's location.
However, I've narrowed down a problem to a single location; the parameter wiring!
Check this out:

    o = omniLight()
    position = o.pos = [1,1,1]
    temp = position.z / sqrt(position.x^2 + position.y^2 + position.z^2)
    o.color = temp * [120,120,120] as color
    

This creates an Omnilight with 69,69,69 as the color.  Seems straight forward...

Now try this:
Go into the wire-params editor.  Rig up a parameter relationship FROM Position TO Color- like in the image attached.  Include the same equation in the Expression box as shown below:

    (position.z / sqrt(position.x^2 + position.y^2 + position.z^2))* [120,120,120] as color
    

THIS method of calculating it, however, results in the color
[b](color 17666.9 17666.9 17666.9)[/b]

Am I to understand that math is different in Max depending on where you use it?
Any thoughts on what might be causing this?  I've been bashing my head against the monitor for 4 hours trying to figure this one out!