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Ian Rumsey
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With the aid of a set of balance scales an Iron Monger was able to weigh goods up to 40lb, in increments of 1lb, by cutting up a uniform iron bar 40 inches long weighing 40lb.
Having an infinitely thin hacksaw blade he cut the bar 39 times into 1 inch lengths and produced forty 1lb weights.
What would be the minimum number of cuts required to obtain the same result of being able to weigh goods of up to 40lb in 1lb increments on his set of balance scales.
Having an infinitely thin hacksaw blade he cut the bar 39 times into 1 inch lengths and produced forty 1lb weights.
What would be the minimum number of cuts required to obtain the same result of being able to weigh goods of up to 40lb in 1lb increments on his set of balance scales.