5. Tom has 13 weight pieces that look equal, however 12 of them weigh the same and the 13th piece is fake and weighs more than the others. He also has two balances: one shows correctly which pan is heavier or that their weights are equal, the other one gives the correct result when the weights on the pans differ, and gives a random result when the weights are equal. (Tom does not know which balance is which). Tom can choose the balance before each weighting. Prove that he can surely determine the fake weight piece in three weighings. Andrey Arzhantsev
Problem
Source: 45th International Tournament of Towns, Junior A-Level P5, Fall 2023
Tags: combinatorics