Puzzle
The
Puzzle
You are shown 12 bars of gold which appear identical but one is a fake.
The fake bar is only different in that it is heavier or lighter than the others.
You are allowed
3
weighs with a balance scale
.
You may place as many bars at a time as you like on the scales.
Discover which bar is fake and if it is heavier or lighter than the rest.
Rules:
1. Let us assume a normal Einsteinian universe (although a Euclidean universe would serve our purposes just as well, the Einsteinian is both cheaper and booze is readily available.) You, the 12 gold bars and balance scale occupy the same four dimensional spacetime!
2. The use of mechanical/electrical devices [calculators, etc.] is prohibited.
3. You must not be assisted by other people and/or the internet.