🚀 go-pugleaf

I have a problem for someone to figure out.  You are given 12 coins, 11 
of which all are of equal weight.  The 12th coin is not the same as the 
others, but you do not know if it is heavier OR lighter.  You are given a 
balance scale (two sided-scales of justice type) you are allowed to make 
three balances with it.  With this you must determine which coin is not 
like the others.  Remember you are only allowed to make THREE (3) 
balances.  I don't know the answer...this is why I am posting it. 

If anyone can help it would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve


--
    You may think I'm crazy, and you're probably right,

                    But who are you to say?

/////////Steve Niece\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ac991@freenet.hamilton.on.ca/////////

Put three coins on one side of the balance and three coins on the other. One of 
two things will occur: 1) The coins will balance   2) The coins will be out of 
balance. 

Assume the first condition occurs. Then remove all the coins and place the 
remaining six coins on the balance, with three coins on one side and three 
coins on the other side. This time only one condition will occur (since one of 
these six coins weighs less than the others): The scale will be out of balance. 
Remove all the coins from the balance. At this point you have narrowed the 
"lightest" coin down to one of three coins. Select any two of the three coins 
and place one on one side of the balance and one on the other side of the 
balance. If they balance, then the third coin is the culprit. If they don't 
balance, then it's clear which coin weighs the least.

Assume the second condition occurs. Proceed as in the paragraph above, 
beginning with "Remove all the coins from the balance."