SOLUTION: A 10 foot long balance bar (of negligible weight)as a 50 pound weight applied at the left end and a 75 pound weight applied on the right end. How far is the fulcrum point located
Question 1147886: A 10 foot long balance bar (of negligible weight)as a 50 pound weight applied at the left end and a 75 pound weight applied on the right end. How far is the fulcrum point located from the right end? Found 2 solutions by greenestamps, ikleyn:Answer by greenestamps(13209) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x be the distance of the fulcrum from the right end. Then the distance from the fulcrum to the left end is 10-x.
The products of the distances and weights must be equal:
ANSWER: The fulcrum is 4 feet from the right end.
or...
The ratio of the weights is 50:75 or 2:3, so the ratio of distances from the fulcrum must be in the ratio 3:2.
So the distance of the fulcrum from the 75-pound weight is 2x and the distance from the 50-pound weight is 3x. Then
The distance of the fulcrum from the 75-pound weight is 2x = 4 feet.
For a student learning how to solve problems using algebra, the first solution method is probably better practice.
But if getting the answer quickly is what is important, I find the latter solution method easier and faster.
Let me show you how your post should be re-formulated to make sense.
On the way, learn an appropriate terminology.
A 10 foot long balance bar (of negligible weight) is in equilibrium having a 50 pound weight applied at the left end
and a 75 pound weight applied on the right end. How far is the fulcrum point located from the right end?