Ed Bradford
31-01-2008, 02:26 AM
The answer to this puzzle is the process required to make a determination, not the determination itself. When you get the answer, keep it to yourself. The prize to this puzzle is the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve solved it.
You have twelve ball bearings which all look the same. However one is odd. It is either lighter or heavier than the others. Using a balance scale where you compare one ball or group of balls against another, develop a process that can prove which ball it is, no matter which ball it is, and whether it’s heavier or lighter than the others. You must accomplish this in only three weighs on a balance scale.
As an example: you compare the first six balls to the second six balls. If the scale tilts to the left you know that one of the first six is heavy or one of the last six is light. You have two more weighs to determine which one it is and if it’s heavy or light.
Once again, the goal is to develop the process to determine which ball it is and if it’s light or heavy.
Yes there is an answer, actually there are several correct answers, no there is no trick in the puzzle and no I won’t give you the answer. However, I will give you a hint; extract as much information from each weighing as you can.
It took me three months of spare time and several note pads to figure it out. I must admit that I am a little slow at times.
Good luck to you. …………Ed
You have twelve ball bearings which all look the same. However one is odd. It is either lighter or heavier than the others. Using a balance scale where you compare one ball or group of balls against another, develop a process that can prove which ball it is, no matter which ball it is, and whether it’s heavier or lighter than the others. You must accomplish this in only three weighs on a balance scale.
As an example: you compare the first six balls to the second six balls. If the scale tilts to the left you know that one of the first six is heavy or one of the last six is light. You have two more weighs to determine which one it is and if it’s heavy or light.
Once again, the goal is to develop the process to determine which ball it is and if it’s light or heavy.
Yes there is an answer, actually there are several correct answers, no there is no trick in the puzzle and no I won’t give you the answer. However, I will give you a hint; extract as much information from each weighing as you can.
It took me three months of spare time and several note pads to figure it out. I must admit that I am a little slow at times.
Good luck to you. …………Ed