Question 2
Maria has four indistinguishable-looking weights of masses 1000,1002,1004,1005 grams. Each next weighing may depend on previous results. (a) With an ordinary two-pan balance, can she certainly determine the mass of every weight in four weighings? (2 points) (b) The same question when the balance also indicates equality when the total mass on the left pan is exactly 1 gram lighter than that on the right pan, as stated in the supplied Vietnamese source. (2 points)
Source discrepancy: the official English original uses the opposite calibration: its left pan itself is 1 gram lighter, so the loaded masses balance when the LEFT load is 1 gram HEAVIER. Both readings are analyzed separately below; the answer to each is unchanged.
Neutral editorial illustration.
Source discrepancy: the official English original uses the opposite calibration: its left pan itself is 1 gram lighter, so the loaded masses balance when the LEFT load is 1 gram HEAVIER. Both readings are analyzed separately below; the answer to each is unchanged.
Neutral editorial illustration.