Mathematics Problem Of the Week

Spring 2004

POW 2

A Weighty Issue!

Four opaque boxes have contents that weigh 1, 2, 4, and 8 pounds, respectively. Equipped only with an equal arm balance, show that with only two uses you can identify the heaviest box. Does your methodology work for boxes that weigh 4, 6, 9, and pounds, respectively? Can you generalize this? That is, can you identify the heaviest box, with only two uses of the scale and four weights?

Due Friday, February 6^th at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Dan Gagliardi’s mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to dgagliardi@stlawu.edu.

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/