MathDB

You have a set of five weights, together with a balance that allows you to compare the weight of two things. The weights are known to be

10

20

30

40

and

50

grams, but are otherwise identical except for their labels. The

10

and

50

gram weights are clearly labelled, but the labels have been erased on the remaining weights. Using the balance exactly once, is it possible to determine what one of the three unlabelled weights is? If so, explain how, and if not, explain why not.

Problem Statement