SOLUTION: the weight that can be safely supported by a 2 inch by 6 inch support beam varies inversely with its length. a builder finds that a support beam that is 8 feet long will support 90

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Question 887688: the weight that can be safely supported by a 2 inch by 6 inch support beam varies inversely with its length. a builder finds that a support beam that is 8 feet long will support 900 pounds. find the weight that can be safely supported by a beam that is 18 feet long.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A variation problem. p for pounds, x for length of beam.

highlight_green%28p=k%2Fx%29. k is a constant.

The next part of the description means x=8 and p=900. Find k using these values. Return to the inverse variation equation and use the value for k to find p when x=18.