Puzzle: 12 Marbles

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Jerbo
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SX Crew
Joined: 2009/04/23

Not so simple:

You are given twelve marbles and a balance. All of the marbles look and feel the same, except that one of the marbles has a different weight (indiscernible by hand, i.e. must use the balance). Is it possible to find the odd marble using the balance no more than three times?

Hints
1) It's a balance, so this means that you can only know if the two sides are equal or not equal weight. One side being heavier means the other side is lighter (and we don't know if the odd marble is heavier or lighter than the rest).
2) Yes, it is possible.

"...you ub0r h4x0r you. I better go unplug my toaster before you endanger my toast." -K