Answer:
a) 3.31 inches
b) 20139 psi
Step-by-step explanation:
L = 24 ft = 24*12 = 288 inches
Let the elastic modulus of the steel bar (structured ASTM-A36)
. If a 288 inches long bar must no elongate more than 0.2 inches, then its strain must be:

Then the tensile stress must not exceed

If the tensile load is 50000 lb then the cross-sectionarea must not be larger than

If it's 3/4 inches thick then the width must be
2.48 / (3/4) = 3.31 inches