How is this done exactly ?

Question

A container holds exactly 8 liters of liquid and is filled to the top. Two empty containers are also available, one f which can hold 5 liters and other 3 liters. Without the use of any other measuring devices, the liquid can be divided into equal parts of 4 liters each simply by pouring from one container to another. How is this done ? All containers are opaque and are not graduated.

Answer 1

Easy. Pour 3 L into the smallest container, and transfer to the 5. Pour 3 L into the smallest container, and transfer 2 to the 5, so that 1 L remains. Pour the 5 from the large container back into the original, then transfer the 1L from the 3 to the 5. Then fill the 3 L and transfer to the 5, giving you 4 L in the 5 L container and 4 L in the 8 L container.

Answer 2

im rly sorry but i no this isnt an answer to ur question nd i was wunderin how old u are cuz i am 12 yrs old, i had a go but am now gettin very confuzzeled i was doin well until i got 2 the dividing part - shud i be able 2 anser this question or am i just rly thick?? *scratches head whilst feeling very confused*....cant u just google it?? sorry but i did ave a go.

Answer 3

Pour 8L into 5L.  8L now contains 3L, 5L contains 5L, 3L is empty.

Pour 5L into 3L.  8L now contains 3L, 5L contains 2L, 3L contains 3L.

Pour 3L into 8L.  8L now contains 6L, 5L contains 2L, 3L is empty.

Pour 5L into 3L.  8L now contains 6L, 5L is empty, 3L contains 2L.

Pour 8L into 5L.  8L now contains 1L, 5L contains 5L, 3L contains 2L.

Pour 5L into 3L.  8L now contains 1L, 5L contains 4L, 3L contains 3L.

Pour 3L into 8L.  Magic. 4 and 4.