A grocer has six suppliers with each supplier selling a different brand of tea in 4-ounce packets at $ 20 per packet. The grocer knows that one of the suppliers gives short weight, each packet of his brand weighing only 3.75 ounces.

Using a digital scale with only one weighing, what is the minimum amount the grocer must spend to be sure of finding the supplier who gives short weight?

He buys 15 packets, spending $300.

1 packet is from supplier A.
2 are from supplier B.
3 are from supplier C.
4 are from supplier D.
5 are from supplier E.

If the weight is 60 oz then F is the cheater.
If the weight is 59.75 oz then A is the cheater.
If the weight is 59.5 oz then B is the cheater.
If the weight is 59.25 oz then C is the cheater.
If the weight is 59 oz then D is the cheater.
If the weight is 58.75 oz then E is the cheater.

Posted by Charlie on 2013-11-12 13:53:16