A few days ago
Anonymous

Trivia Question..(Math Related)?

Okay so here is the question. I need help finding the answer.

*You have 3 coins and a pan balance scale. The coins are alike in appearance, but you know that one of them is counterfeit and lighter than the other two. Explain in detail how you would find the counterfeit coin in just ONE weighing.*

Top 4 Answers
A few days ago
The Corinthian

Favorite Answer

put one coin on one side of the scale, another coin on the other side, leave the third off. If the scal tips one way or the other, the one that rises is counterfeit (being lighter). If the scales remained balanced, the third is the counterfeit as the two on the scale are the same.
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A few days ago
Greg
you would take 2 of the coins and weigh them, if the 3 coins are alike but one is fake (and thus weighs less than the other two) you could determine if the 2 coins are the same weight or if one is heavier.
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A few days ago
Devan!
That seems impossible…

unless you already know which coin is lighter, and then mark it and put them on the scale.

That’s the only way I know… I’m not good with the abstract thinking. And I’m pretty sleepy so that’s not helping either of us much.

Sorry…

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A few days ago
Brianna 🙂
you weigh two coins

If its balanced: the remaining coin is counterfeit

If its tipped: the lighter coin is the winner.

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