Quandaries and Queries
  

 

Subject: Splitting weight

Question:
A balance scale has only two weights, 1 ounce and 4 ounces. In only three weighings split 180 ounces of seed in two bags of 40 and 140 ounces.

Thank you very much for offering this help. I really appreciate it!!

-- Jin Ho

 

 

Hi,

I think this question hindes on what you mean by "three weighings". Here is one possibility:

Weighing 1:

Distribute the 180 ounces of seed onto the two sides of the scale until the two sides balance. This gives you two piles of seed, each weighing 90 ounces.

If this is "one weighing" can you see how to continue?

Penny
 
 

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