Given a balance scale that is sure to break after X weighings, find an equation for the largest number of coins N, from which you can determine a fake coin that has the wrong weight if

A: You know whether the fake is lighter or heavier

B: You do not know whether the fake is lighter or heavier

(Assume only one of the N coins is fake)

(In reply to re(2): Weighty Solution (maybe!) by Gamer)

A previous puzzle showed that you could find one fake coin (not knowing if it is heavier or lighter) out of 39 in 4 weighings. I would say that this is contrary to the equation in question.
Sorry to just pose a problem and offer no constructive thoughts, but I have yet to find the right path for this one.

Posted by Hank on 2003-05-15 03:07:01