Pirate Jim has 8 boxes filled with gun powder that weigh 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and

8 pounds, and the weight of each box is printed on its top. Pirate Bob then hid a

1-pound gold bar in one of the boxes. Pirate Jim cannot open any of the boxes, but

he has a balance scale that he can use to make exactly two weighings. Can he find

the gold bar?

Question

Mathematics

Amani Knapp

19 January, 21:54

Pirate Jim has 8 boxes filled with gun powder that weigh 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and

8 pounds, and the weight of each box is printed on its top. Pirate Bob then hid a

1-pound gold bar in one of the boxes. Pirate Jim cannot open any of the boxes, but

he has a balance scale that he can use to make exactly two weighings. Can he find

the gold bar?

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Carlie Gamble · Answer 1

Yes, he can find the gold bar.

Step-by-step explanation:

The weight of gunpowder plus the gold bar would differ from the printed label on its top. If one box is heavy by one more pound than the label, the gold is located there.