perplexus.info :: Weights and Scales : Slippery Supplier

Slippery Supplier (Posted on 2013-11-12)

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?

See The Solution Submitted by K Sengupta

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Corrected for 6 supp. --thanks, Steve!

| Comment 3 of 6 |

Cut,paste and modify for 6 suppliers:

He should buy 15 packets , 1 from supplier A, 2 from supplier B
and 3 from supplier C, 4 from supplier D, 5 from supplier E

If the total weight is 60 oz, then F is the cheater,

If the total weight is 59.75 oz, then A is the cheater,

If the total weight is 59.50 oz, then B is the cheater,

If 59.25 oz, then C etc

Total cost: 15*20=300$

Edited on November 12, 2013, 5:00 pm

Posted by Ady TZIDON on 2013-11-12 12:07:55

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