Question

In this fulcrum, the weights are perfectly balanced. How far must the fulcrum be located from the 40 lb. weight if the bar is 9 feet long?

Answer 1

`x=5\ ft`

Explanation:

we know that

The bar is
`9` feet long

so

`x+(x-1)=9`

Solve for x

`2x-1=9`

`2x=10`

`x=5\ ft`

Verify

`40x=50(x-1)`

substitute the value of x

`40(5)=50(5-1)`

`40(5)=50(4)`

`200=200` -----> the weights are perfectly balanced

Answer 2

so...we can write eqn as

40x = 50(x-1)
so. -10x=-50
so. x=5

therefore .... the distance of 40 lb will be 5 ft ...answer !!!