Three.

2

Answer : 2

hint : divide the stones into 3,3,2 groups

Urmila,Vamsee,Vishwa or any one can give the answer with 
clear justification in details.

2 is the right answer.

divide the stones 3,3,2.  put 3 stones in both sides of the
pan balance. if the stones have equal weight.if there is no
deviation in pan balance.Then put remaining 2 stones in the
pan balance.Then we take the weightiest ball in the 8 stones
with 2 times weighted.

7

minimum weighing needed 3,

minimum no of steps required:3
answer:
       1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
       take 1,2&3,4 
       if both are equal move on to next
          take 3,4&5,6
          if both are equal move on next
             take 6&7   
             if both are equal 8is the heavier one
             else 7 is the heavier one
          else 
             take 4 & 5
             if both are equal 
                6 is the heavier on
             else
                5 is the heavier
       else 
          take 2 & 5
          if both are equal
             1 is the heaveier one
          else 
             2 is the heavier one

the right answer is 3

first divide the stones into 2parts 4 4
then see which one is heavier

then divide the heavier part into two parts 2 2 

then measure the two stones of heavier part

Answer is 2.

Solution:

Divide the stones into 3,3,2. Put 3 stones on left pan and 
3 stones on right pan. If heavier stone is present in any 
one of the side then that side will get down. Take the 3 
stones from that side and again put 1 stone on left and 1 
on right. We can find the heavier stone from this. If both 
are equal then the remaining one is heaviest.

While dividing the stones as 3,3,2 when both sides are 
equal then take the remaining 2 stones and put it on left 
and right.

divide the stones into 4 and 4, weight it find which is 
heavy. Consider which is high weighted and then again 
divide those stones into 2 and 2, weight it find which is 
hevy. consider which is high in weight and weigh the 
remaining 2 weights and thus highest weighed is found. Thus 
Answer is 3.

2

3 3 2

3=3 , then weigh the other 2

else if 
3!=3

get the lighter one (3)
take 2 at a time weigh.


i think u got it

ans is 2

The answer is 2, 3 balls on each of the pans of the 
balancing scales, should the scales balance then from the 
remaining 2, we can find the heavier ball through another 
comparison which gives 2 comparisons, however in the first 
place should the balance not balance, then from the heavier 
group, pick 2 more balls (from 3) and weigh them, if the 
scales balance then the remaining ball is the heaviest one 
and if the scales do not balance then the one that is heavy 
can be seen from that instant itself-- THUS THE MOST 
OPTIMAL ANSWER IS "2"