Page 32 - Discover Winter 2021

Gremmie’s
Gremmie’s

Pages
Pages

Edited by Gerald Muus

Here is last issue’s brain puzzle:

In our last issue of Discover SML, international superspy
James Cummerbund had been captured by the evil Dr.
Maybe, who had poisoned our hero’s drink.

Dr. Maybe has given Cummerbund a chance to save his
own life, by choosing one of seven vials, only one of which Our winner, with the first
contains the antidote. All of the vials weigh the same, except correct answer, is Cliff Price!
for the one containing the antidote, which weighs a little bit

more. James has been provided a balance scale, which he is
only permitted to use two times.

How can our hero identify the one that weighs more on a

balance scale, using that scale no more than two times?

Answer: Separate six of the seven vials into two piles of
three and weigh them against each other…

…If the scale balances, then you know that the heavier vial

is the seventh remaining one. If the scale isn’t balanced, then
take the heavier side and weigh any two of those three vials
against one another. Either the scale will reveal that one of

those two is the heavier one, or it will balance and reveal
that the remaining vial contains the antidote.

Congratulations to Cliff Price, this issue’s puzzle winner!

30 Discover Smith Mountain Lake WINTER 2020