Can you solve the counterfeit coin riddle? - Jennifer Lu
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/can-you-solve-the-counterfeit-coin-riddle-jennifer-lu You're the realm's greatest mathematician, but ever since you ...
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You're the realm's greatest mathematician, but ever since you criticized the Emperor's tax laws, you've been locked in the dungeon with only a marker to count the days. But one day, you're suddenly brought before the Emperor who looks even angrier than usual. One of his twelve governors has been convicted of paying his taxes with a counterfeit coin which has already made its way into the treasury. As the kingdom's greatest mathematician, you've been granted a chance to earn your freedom by identifying the fake. Before you are the twelve identical looking coins and a balance scale. You know that the false coin will be very slightly lighter or heavier than the rest. But the Emperor's not a patient man. You may only use the scale three times before y...
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You're the realm's greatest mathematician, but ever since you criticized the Emperor's tax laws, you've been locked in the dungeon with only a marker to count the days. But one day, you're suddenly brought before the Emperor who looks even angrier than usual. One of his twelve governors has been convicted of paying his taxes with a counterfeit coin which has already made its way into the treasury. As the kingdom's greatest mathematician, you've been granted a chance to earn your freedom by identifying the fake. Before you are the twelve identical looking coins and a balance scale. You know that the false coin will be very slightly lighter or heavier than the rest. But the Emperor's not a patient man. You may only use the scale three times before y...
