Minimum means, you got lucky and found it fast, right?
In that case, you can do it with a minimum of ONE: Pick two pennies at random, and weigh them. If the two pennies don't weigh the same, then you got lucky and got it on the first pick.
I'm a big girl. Just tell me.
Inara ,'Objects In Space'
Natter 75: More Than a Million Natters Served
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Tom Scola - Nov 03, 2016 8:23:25 am PDT #710 of 30002
Mr. Scola’s wardrobe by Botany 500
Jesse - Nov 03, 2016 8:25:03 am PDT #711 of 30002
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.
Ahh -- my team member just asked me if she could be involved with next summer's internship program. Which would likely be a huge burden, but I'm so glad she asked before committing! That's all I need.
Jessica - Nov 03, 2016 8:34:51 am PDT #712 of 30002
If I want to become a cloud of bats, does each bat need a separate vaccination?
Start with three piles of three and weigh two of them. One will be lighter, or the one that is not weighed will be lighter. Repeat with the three pennies in the lighter stack.
Ahhhh, I knew there was a tricksy way I'd forgotten! This was in a book of math/logic puzzles I had as a kid, but I haven't revisited them in years.
Gudanov - Nov 03, 2016 8:37:05 am PDT #713 of 30002
Coding and Sleeping
Oh, by Gud saying that I think I figured out how to do it in two.
That's it.
Connie Neil - Nov 03, 2016 8:49:01 am PDT #714 of 30002
brillig
Just got my new power bill. As I was hoping, the savings with an apartment-based power bill vs. a house bill with attendant sewer/taxes/etc very nearly balances the increase in basic rent. And the change in the gas bill where I'm only heating a one-bedroom, well-insulated apartment vs. a three-bedroom crappy house makes up the rest. (insert GIF of Hilary waggling her shoulders in glee)
Glamcookie - Nov 03, 2016 8:49:09 am PDT #715 of 30002
I know my own heart and understand my fellow man. But I am made unlike anyone I have ever met. I dare to say I am like no one in the whole world. - Anne Lister
Start with three piles of three and weigh two of them. One will be lighter, or the one that is not weighed will be lighter. Repeat with the three pennies in the lighter stack.
But that wouldn't narrow it to the single lighter penny, would it? Just to the stack with the lighter penny in it.
sj - Nov 03, 2016 8:55:25 am PDT #716 of 30002
"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
If the first two stacks you weigh are even you know that the lighter Penny is in the third stack. If they're not, you know which of the two stacks has the lighter penny. Then weigh two pennies from the lighter stack. If they're even, it's the third penny. If not, you'll know which one is lighter. So you only have to weigh twice, right?
P.M. Marc - Nov 03, 2016 8:57:31 am PDT #717 of 30002
So come, my friends, be not afraid/We are so lightly here/It is in love that we are made; In love we disappear
But I bet you killed it at Vocally Self Critical!
Hahahaha! Well, I'm a fucking MASTER at that!
Scrappy - Nov 03, 2016 8:58:08 am PDT #718 of 30002
Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
Glam--you only weigh two of the final three. If one of the two is lighter, then Bob's your uncle. If they are the same, the one you left out is the light one.
Glamcookie - Nov 03, 2016 8:59:40 am PDT #719 of 30002
I know my own heart and understand my fellow man. But I am made unlike anyone I have ever met. I dare to say I am like no one in the whole world. - Anne Lister
sj, thanks, I believe that is just right. There's a reason I was an English major!