A bricklayer has 8 bricks Seven of the bricks weigh the same amount and 1 is a little heavier than the rest If the man has a balance scale how can he find the heaviest brick in only 2 weightings?

Answer 1

Weigh 3 on one side, and 3 on the other. You have three options: left side is heavier, right side is heavier, both are equal. If they are equal, the heaviest brick is one of the remaining two. If one of the sides is heavier, weigh one on each side. Once again, you have three options: left side is heavier, right side is heavier, or both weigh the same. In the latter case, the third brick is the heaviest brick.

Answer 2

First, divide the 8 bricks into 3 groups: 3 bricks on one side of the balance, 3 on the other, and leave 2 bricks aside. If the balance tips, the heavier brick is in the heavier group of 3. If the balance is even, the heavier brick is one of the 2 left aside. Next, weigh 2 of the 3 bricks from the heavier group. The heavier brick will be identified after these 2 weighings.