Word problems

Question

The weight W that a horizontal beam can support varies inversely as the length L of the beam.  Suppose that an 11m beam can support 1800kg.  How many kilograms can a 13m beam support

Answer 1

W = k / L for your relation.

 

Using the first set of data would enable you to solve for the proportionality constant, k.

 

 

1800 = k / 11

 

k = (1800)(11) = 19,800

 

 

W = 19,800 / L for the equation that relates the weight to the length.

 

 

For L = 13, W = 19,800 / 13 = 1523 kg.