The maximum weight M that can be supported by a beam is jointly proportional to its width w and the square of its height h, and inversely proportional to its length L.

Question

The maximum weight M that can be supported by a beam is jointly proportional to its width w and the square of its height h, and inversely proportional to its length L.
a. Write an equation that expresses this prportionality
b. Determine the constant of proportionality if a beam 4 in. wide, 6 in. high, and 12 ft long can support a weight of 4800 lb.
c. If a 10-ft beam made of the same material is 3 in. wide and 10 in. high, what is the maximum weight it can support?
So far, I've got the equation. It's M=k^2wh^2/L. I need help working out the problem.

bobpursley · Answer

M=k*wh^2/L I don't know why you squared k, the constant. 4800=K*4*36*12 note units in*in^2*ft k=100/36 M=100/36*3*100*10=100,000/36=?

jane · Answer

the weight that a beam can support varies inversly as the length,suppose a 12 foot beam can support 12000 pounds how many pounds can a 15 foot beam support

Eric Esparza · Answer

The maximum weight that a rectangular beam can support varies jointly as its width and the square of its height and inversely as its length. If a beam foot wide, foot high, and 10 feet long can support 12 tons find how much a similar beam can support if the beam is foot wide, foot high, and 16 feet long.