The Flat Controller, as you will all know, is our sort of self-appointed boss in all birdly matters . Luckily he has a heart of gold, always willing to help, never goes throwing hard-working minions out of bird reserves for no apparent reason, and always apologises for any mistakes. He is so generous, he has to have a more ruthless sidekick who is always there to stop him giving away all his money and clothes to the poor and needy. He's also an excellent driver and his car is immaculate and spotless in every way. And his sense of humour is second to none. He's also incredibly thin ..... hence the name. Anyway ... today he is in his ringing hut, (pictured above, plus two visitor experience managers), the walls decked with top awards for politeness, good judgement, diplomacy and helping visitors. But he has a problem. He needs to weigh this morning's batch of birds. But .. his posh electronic scales have packed in. All he has is an ancient "balance" thingy, and only 4 weights. 1g, 3g, 9g and 27g. He's probably given all the others to the poor and needy of the parish. As you can see, he has ingeniously weighed the first bird using the 3g on the left with the bird, and the 1g and 9g on the right. He didn't need the 27g thing for that one. ........ so the bird weighs 7 grams. He's a clever clogs, that Flat Controller. But he's worried ! Obviously he will be able to "do" some weights up to 40 grams ..... but can he "do" all the ones in between ? That, should you choose to have a go, is your task for the day. You never know, you might be in the same position one day. There's no substitute for actual experience with these sorts of problem. By the way, he's so busy he sends his wife to parent's evenings ... There will be "solutions" ... but not yet.
Otherwise you would not be motivated to try it for yourselves. I've done some lovely "drawings" to go with them. And a nifty chart. But did I manage all of them from 1-40 ? Aha ... that's for you to find out.
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AuthorThat's the author up there ... I was young and sprightly then. Archives
October 2022
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