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Puzzle of the Week: Skillful Pouring
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Puzzle of the Week: Skillful Pouring

From Der Spiegel · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The puzzle challenges readers to divide 18 liters of liquid into two 9-liter portions using only containers marked at 9 and 7 liters.
  • The solution requires a series of precise pouring steps, as indicated by volume markings at the top of the containers.
  • A step-by-step breakdown of a possible method is provided.

This week's puzzle presents a classic liquid measurement challenge: how to accurately divide 18 liters into two equal 9-liter portions using only specific containers. The key constraint is that the containers are only marked at the top to indicate when they hold exactly 9 liters or 7 liters.

Solving this puzzle requires a sequence of careful pouring actions. The provided solution outlines one possible pathway to achieve the desired 9-liter division. Each step in the sequence details the precise volume of liquid in each of the three containers involved.

The process begins with an initial state of 18-0-0 liters across the containers. Through a series of transfers, such as pouring from the 18-liter container into the 7-liter one, and then using the 7-liter container to measure into another, the goal is gradually approached. The list details each transfer, showing the resulting volumes in the containers at every stage.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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