Question

A beam having a length of 20 metres is pivoted at its mid point. A 200 newton load is located at a point 5 m from the right hand end of the beam. A 300 newton load is located at a point 8 m from the right hand end. In order for the beam to be in equilibrium, what load is required at the extreme left end of the beam?

Answer 1

the moments must balance. That is, if a load of w is located 10m to the left,

10w = 200*5 + 300*2
10w = 1600
w = 160

Answer 2

A lever 9.000 m in length has the fulcrum placed at one end. A load of 26.000 kN is applied to a point 2.200 m from the fulcrum. What force must be applied to the end of the lever to place the system in equilibrium?