Consider a seen with masses m1 and m2 on either tide Suppose

Consider a seen with masses m_1, and m_2 on either tide. Suppose that the position of the fulcrum (phot point) Is labeled as the origin, x - 0. Further suppose that the position of each mass relative to the origin is x_1 and x_2 respectively. The seesaw will be in equilibrium if m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2 - 0. Use this equation for the following problem. Find the missing mass so that the system is in equilibrium. Round the answer to one decimal place, if necessary (Recall that position to the left of 0 on the number line are negatives.)

Solution

m1x1+ m2x2 =0

m1 = 8 kg; x1 = - 5.5 ; m2 = ? ; x2 =4

So, plugging these values : 8*(-5.5) + m2*4 =0

m2 = 2*(5.5) = 11 kg