Question

the weight w that a horizontal beam can support varies inversely as the length L of the beam. Suppose that an 8-m beam can support 1200 kg. How many kilograms can a 17-m beam support?

Answer 1

W = l / L w where w is the weight supported by 8 m

W = 8 / 17 * 1200 = 565 kg

(a 4 m beam could support twice the weight as an 8 m beam or 2400 kg)