Journey to the Center of the Earth Hints

Which one is the different ball here?

  • 1 of 5: If the RIGHT tray is heavy after the 2nd weighing, the weight has shifted sides. 3, 6 and 9 are now Heavy.  Light ones are 1, 2, and 5.
  • 2 of 5: Remember where they were after the 1st trial.
  • 3 of 5: After the 1st Trial, 1, 2, and 3 were on the heavy (left) side. 5 and 6 were on the light (right) side. 9 was ruled out as okay.
  • 4 of 5: It can't be 1 or 2 because they're still light.  It also can't be 6 because it's still heavy.  And it can't be 9 because it was proven equal.  That leaves you with 3 or 5, depending on how the trays tip on the 3rd Weighing.
  • 5 of 5: If both 3 & 9 are EQUAL, the answer is 5.

    If 3 or 9 are UNBALANCED, the answer is 3.