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Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac: 2 puzzles worth knowing

2 puzzles from Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac, each explained in a minute and credited to the original work. Free on Savvy.

• Weigh any whole number from 1 to 40 pounds using only four weights on a balance scale

  You have a two-pan balance scale and may place weights on either side. What is the smallest set of four whole-number weights that lets you balance any integer weight from 1 to 40 a…

  — Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac, Problèmes plaisants et délectables qui se font par les nombres

• Split 24 ounces of liquid into three equal parts using only 5, 11 and 13 ounce jugs

  You have three unmarked jugs holding 5, 11 and 13 ounces, and a container with 24 ounces of liquid. Using only these jugs to pour liquid between them, can you divide the 24 ounces …

  — Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac, Problèmes plaisants et délectables qui se font par les nombres

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