scales help

It's like a math problem each pivot is an equal sign and each part of the distance is a multiplication sign. The final pivot is another equal sign. Each time you put in numbers and find an answer then you have to move up to the next part taking the answer with you. I hope I haven't made it more complicated.

the weight of the bottom level is only the weight of it's combined 'numbers' to the next pivot.

So, once I balance each side, I add the numbers I used to take that total to the next level to balance it, not double that amount (for both sides of the balance- ex. if each side totals 7, I don't take 14 up a level, just the numbers that I put inside the weight). Any other tips as far as placing higher vs. lower numbers, best place to start...

We did it in excel. The mathematical functions are stable so it's just a matter of fitting the numbers into the equations. If you write it as an equation do not forget order of operations:
For each pivot solve the multiplication then add for the next pivot. I don't know if there's a better clue. Sorry. We're stuck on the crossword and haven't solved it all either.

I got that one from the clues posted. Not much of an excel user, bit will try to explore it. Think about what SBA worked towards in the bigger picture for a 2-word code.

Louisa May Alcott novels are timeless classics, don't you think?

I just did it via brute force and keeping in mind certain patterns (e.g. if you multiply a number by 2 or 4, the result is always an even number) that helped reduce the options to check.

To get you started, look at the first puzzle. Ignore the entire left side.

Looking at the right side, you need to find 4 numbers from 1 - 7 which meet the following conditions:

1. 3 numbers on the bottom right must be equal to the 4th number on the top right.
2. one number on the bottom must be equal to another number plus twice the third number.

So... use Condition 1: When you look at the numbers, 1 - 7, you are left with only two cases where you can add three of the numbers to get the fourth.

This brings you into condition 2 with only 2 options. Only one of the two options fits condition 2. Viola! You have your first number. (This then needs to be decoded using something on the page of the paper...).

For the other puzzles, I always just started at what looked like the "easiest" place. For the second, it was the left hand side. For the third and fourth, I started at the bottom left as well.

One other thing that drove me crazy for awhile is that the code word isn't in sequence. You need to rearrange the letters once you have them... though maybe you can make a reasonable guess at the world once you have a few of the letters...

Hope this helps.

It does; that is pretty much what I was doing so I'll do the time:)

Still hoping to get this puzzle. I might have 1 letter, an A! Wow, where am I going with that? LOL This one is taking forever, but my brain hurts so I know it is good. Just need more time, and if anyone has more hints...

kvelyk, if you know the answer to the crossword you can figure out the answer to the scales. One couldn't happen without the other

...and there's no A. Sorry :(
Just didn't want you struggling to fit that in there.

I did get the crossword using the hints about the lower corner. So, I need a 6-letter related word to that answer. Hmmm... think, think, think.

Got it on first guess- should have done that a LONG time ago!

Yeah Karen, that is what I think EVERY time they throw all that gobblety gook at us and then it turns out to be simply....simple, lol. I would rather do it the simple way and do trivia!! LOL sign me...Dazed and Confused! LOL Micci