Balance Beam – 2
To balance, weights must be the same on opposite sides of a horizontal balance beam. The total weight is given above the balance beam.
For these puzzles, figures of the same shape must have the same weight. However, it is allowed for different shapes to have the same weight.
THE CHALLENGE
Find the weight of each of the diamonds, hexagons, and circles.
EXPLORATION
Create balance beams with at least three shapes for others to solve. Make sure there is enough information that they can be figured out.
Notes
THE CHALLENGE
Because the two sides of the big beam are equal and add up to 24, each side must be 12.
The three diamonds on the left side add up to 12, so each diamond is 4.
The two sides of the smaller beam are equal and add up to 12. This means the red circle is 6 and the two hexagons add up to 6. Consequently, each hexagon is 3.
To summarize: a diamond is 4, a red circle is 6, and a hexagon is 3.