Question 88801


    weights of 40 lbs . and 50 lbs. are placed on opposite sides of the fulcrum and they balance . If one weight is a foot nearer the fulcrum than the other , where is each weight placed?


      Let the weight of 50 pounds be placed at a distance  of x  units from the fulcrum 

        Then the weight of 40 pounds is placed at a distance of (x-1) units 
  from the fulcrum

      using the concept of order of levers we get 50*(x-1) = 40x

                                                  50x-50 = 40x

                                                   50x-40x = 50
                                                       10x = 50
                                                         x = 50/10  = 5

      Therefore 50 pounds must be placed at a distance of 5 units and 40 pounds 
      must be placed at a distance of 5-1 = 4 units from the fulcrum.