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One out of Five (Posted on 2016-01-04) Difficulty: 2 of 5
A set of five coins contains two that weigh 31g, two that weigh 33g, and one that weighs 32g. Using a balance scale just two times positively identify the weight of at least one coin.

  Submitted by Brian Smith    
Rating: 3.0000 (1 votes)
Solution: (Hide)
Weigh 2 coins vs 2 coins.

If the result is equal then the coin left out must be the 32g coin.

If the result is unequal then the heavy side must have at least one 33g coin and the light side must have at least one 31g coin. Choose a side and compare those two coins.

If choosing the heavy side then an unequal result means that the heavier coin is 33g and an equal result means both coins are 33g. Similar logic applies to finding a 31g coin from the light side.

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
SolutionMy solution is way too convolutedCharlie2016-01-04 10:54:12
SolutionSolutionJer2016-01-04 10:10:44
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