There are 9 balls of equal size and same weight(they look
similar) except 1. How many weights required to find the
dissimilar ball using a weighing balance?
Here is the solution to the given version of the puzzle (9 balls, one is heavier, need to identify oddball), where we label the balls A, B, …, I:
1. Weigh ABC versus DEF.
Scenario a: If these (1) balance, then we know the oddball is one of G, H, I.
2. Weigh G versus H.
Scenario a.i: If these (2) balance, the oddball is I.
Scenario a.ii: If these (2) do not balance, the heavier one is the oddball.
Scenario b: If these (1) do not balance, then the oddball is on the heavier side. For simplicity, assume the ABC side is heavier, so the oddball is one of A, B, C.
2. Weigh A versus B.
Scenario b.i: If these (2) balance, the oddball is C.
Scenario b.ii: If these (2) do not balance, the heavier one is the oddball.
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minimum 2
min 1
max 3
Here is the solution to the given version of the puzzle (9 balls, one is heavier, need to identify oddball), where we label the balls A, B, …, I:
1. Weigh ABC versus DEF.
Scenario a: If these (1) balance, then we know the oddball is one of G, H, I.
2. Weigh G versus H.
Scenario a.i: If these (2) balance, the oddball is I.
Scenario a.ii: If these (2) do not balance, the heavier one is the oddball.
Scenario b: If these (1) do not balance, then the oddball is on the heavier side. For simplicity, assume the ABC side is heavier, so the oddball is one of A, B, C.
2. Weigh A versus B.
Scenario b.i: If these (2) balance, the oddball is C.
Scenario b.ii: If these (2) do not balance, the heavier one is the oddball.
answer is maximum of 2.