i thing the answer is
- I$ `' b. f* ^4 W M& a7 y" `+ X5.39.217.77:8898start with 4 on each side of the scale,this will have two possible outcome, same or diff.
9 r( H1 P. s) |8 c5.39.217.77:8898If the same then 4 that left over contain the odd ball. put 1 of the 4 to each side, two outcome, same or different again. Replace 1 from the remaining, if the same then left over is the odd or if different the replacement is the odd one. I didn't time myself but I think I take less than 30 minutes. There are two more possible out come but still need three weighing but I think I am running out of space. |