Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Investigative work ( version 1)

Version 1 (Case 1)

Rationale

First weighing

Put any 3 coins on either side of the scale, leaving you with 2 coins.

If the scale balances, the counterfeit is in one of the two remaining coins.

Second weighing

Place the remaining 2 coins, each on either side of the scale.

The lighter coin is the counterfeit

Version 1 (Case 2)

Rationale

First weighing

Place any three coins on either side of the scale.

If the scale is unbalanced, the counterfeit is in the lighter group of three coins.

Second weighing

Place any 2 coins from the lighter group, each on either side of the scale.

1) If the scale balances, the counterfeit is the coin that was not weighed.

2) If the scale is not balanced, the lighter coin is counterfeit.

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