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Sam Loyds Puzzling Scales - Solution
Puzzles -> Sam Loyd Puzzles
 The Puzzle: Try to solve Sam Loyds Puzzle as shown here. Note: the illustration shows a top and three cubes equal in weight to 12 marbles, the second illustration shows a top is equal to a cube and eight marbles |
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The Solution . . .
To some people the idea of adding a b c to x y z, or multiplying letters together seems the height of absurdity, and they fail to grasp the simplicity of algebra.
In the first instance we see that a top and three cubes weigh equal to twelve marbles.
In the second equation a top alone equals a cube and eight marbles.
Now let us add three cubes to each side, as the addition of equal quantities to both sides of an equation does not change the balance.
By the addition of three cubes to the second pair of scales we have produced the identical values as shown by the first scales.
In the first case a top and three cubes = twelve marbles.
In the second illustration we have proved that a top and three cubes = four cubes and eight marbles, so a marble weighs as much as a cube.
It proves therefore that one cube and eight marbles, or nine marbles weighs equal to the top. |
Discuss this puzzle at the Math is Fun Forum
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