Algorithmic thinking

Mystery Mass Balance

Write a strategy, test it against a hidden mass, and pay attention to how many comparisons and weight changes your algorithm needs.

Your challengeThe mystery object has a whole-number mass from 10 to 1,999 g. Choose weights, test the balance, and use each result to decide what to try next.

Weighings0comparisons tested

Weight changes0weights added or removed

?Mystery mass

0 g

? g

Ready to test?The balance moves only after you press Weigh.

Before you test

Write your algorithm

Describe the steps your group will follow.

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Evidence

Attempt history

Your comparisons will appear here after the first weighing.

For instructors

Make the strategy visible before the answer.

Ask students to write their procedure on a whiteboard before using the tool. After solving, compare algorithms using both counters: weighings measure comparisons, while weight changes reveal the physical work required to prepare those comparisons.