Minute Mystery: The Heavier Coin

Bite-sized brain teaser to solve in a minute or less.

 

 

The Heavier Coin

Category: Logic, Deduction

You have 9 identical-looking coins, but one of them is slightly heavier than the rest. You also have a balance scale, but you can only use it twice.

How can you find the heavier coin?

 

 

Solution

  1. Divide the 9 coins into three groups of 3.
  2. Weigh two of the groups against each other:
    • If they balance, the heavier coin is in the group not weighed.
    • If they don’t balance, the heavier coin is in the heavier group.
  3. Now you have only 3 coins left. Pick any two and weigh them:
    • If they balance, the heavier coin is the one not on the scale.
    • If they don’t balance, the heavier coin is obvious.

This method ensures you find the heavier coin in just two weighings.

 

 

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