TOT 171 1988 Spring J4 weights with powers of 2
Source:
May 9, 2020
weighingscombinatoricspower of 2
Problem Statement
We have a set of weights with masses gm, gm, gm and so on, all values being powers of . Some of these weights may have equal mass. Some weights were put on both sides of a balance beam, resulting in equilibrium. It is known that on the left hand side all weights were distinct . Prove that on the right hand side there were no fewer weights than on the left hand side.