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My idea:
#1-Divide the 100 coins into piles of 50. The heavier pile has the counterfeit.
#2-Divide the heavier pile into piles of 25. The heavier pile has the counterfeit.
#3-Divide the heavier pile into two piles of 12 (24). You hold one coin.
IF the piles are equal, you have the counterfeit!
IF they are unequal, you have a "normal" coin, and the heavier pile
has the counterfeit.
#4-Take the heavier pile (unless you were lucky above) of 12, and divide it into 6. The heavier pile has the counterfeit.
#5-Take the heavier pile of 6 and divide into two groups of 3. The heavier pile has the counterfeit.
#6-Take the heavier pile of 3, and put one coin on each pan. You hold one coin.
IF the coins are equal-you have the counterfeit in your hand.
IF the coins are unequal-that heavy coin is the counterfeit.
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The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one. ~Erma Bombeck
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