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Journey to the Center of the Earth Hints

Guide me through the steps, please!

  • 1 of 4: There are numerous ways to find the answer.  Each time you start this puzzle, the "unique" ball will be different, so don't think you can skip right to the solution.  You MUST go through a process of elimination to find it.  Grab a piece of paper and a pencil for making notes.  Try to stay calm and clear-headed.  You'll be using logic and deduction.

    The first weighing will set the stage for all the subsequent ones.  Which balls you choose are totally up to you.  Note that you cannot pick up the "different" ball until you have performed 3 weighings (even if you know which one it is).  If you lose your place or something goes wrong, just back out of the puzzle and restart.

    Since you cannot save your progress while working the puzzle, you may want to print all of the answers to refer to while playing it.  Be sure you read ALL of these hints for the best results!
  • 2 of 4: This easier solution worked the first time for me, so try it first.  Place 6 balls on each tray (1 thru 6 on the left; 7 thru 12 on the right).  Weigh them.
  • 3 of 4: One side should be heavier than the other.  For the 2nd weighing, remove all the "light side" balls to the bottom dish.  Divide the "heavy side" balls onto the two trays.  Weigh them.
  • 4 of 4: If after the 2nd weighing one side is heavier than the other, work with the "heavy" ones.  Pick 2 (doesn't matter which), removing one down to the dish.  Put one of each on the side trays.  Weigh them.
    If one is heavier, it -is- the odd ball (click on it to put it in inventory and verify that it is the "unique specimen."  If they are equal, the correct ball is the one you didn't weigh.

    However, if they are EQUAL (level) after the 2nd weighing, then the "odd" ball must be light rather than heavy.  It is one of the ones you did not weigh!  Remove all the balls and replace them with the ones you did not weigh the 2nd time -- 3 on each side.  Then make your -guess- based on which side is lighter.  (Or start puzzle over from the beginning if you guess wrong.)

    If this quick solution didn't work for you, here is the more complicated Solution #2.