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LESSON
172
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173
Fig. 16-1.
Given any of the three variables, you can set up an equation and solve for the fourth one. Unless otherwise specied, assume the fulcrum is in the center of the lever. EXAMPLE: Bill weighs 120 pounds and sits on a seesaw 3 feet from the fulcrum. Where must Mary, who weighs 96 pounds, sit to balance it? SOLUTION: GOAL: You are being asked to nd the distance from the fulcrum Mary needs to sit to balance the seesaw. STRATEGY: Use the formula WL wl where W 120, L 3, w 96, l x. WL wl 1203 96x See Figure 16-2. IMPLEMENTATION: Solve the equation: 1203 96x 360 96x
Fig. 16-2.
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360 96 x 1 96 96 3:75 x
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Hence she must sit 3.75 feet from the fulcrum. EVALUATION: Check the equation: WL wl 1203 963:75 360 360 The fulcrum of a lever does not have to be at its center. EXAMPLE: The fulcrum of a lever is 3 feet from the end of a 10-foot lever. On the short end rests an 84-pound weight. How much weight must be placed on the other end to balance the lever? SOLUTION: GOAL: You are being asked to nd how much weight is needed to balance the lever. STRATEGY: Let x the weight of the object needed. WL wl 843 x7 See Figure 16-3.
Fig. 16-3.
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Fig. 16-4.
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Fig. 16-5.
The equation is W1 L1 W2 L2 w1 l1 w2 l2 808 844 958 75x 640 336 760 75x 976 760 75x 976 760 760 760 75x 216 75x 216 75 x 75 75 2:88 x Sam needs to sit 2.88 feet from the fulcrum. EVALUATION: Check the equation: W1 L1 W2 L2 w1 l1 w2 l2 808 844 958 752:88 640 336 760 216 976 976
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