The weight that a horizontal beam can support varies inversely as the length of the beam. Suppose that a 5-m beam can support 480 kg. How many kilograms can a 2-m beam support?
A) 0.0208 kg
B) 0.0008 kg
C) 1200 kg
D) 48 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weight a beam can support is inversely proportional to its length, meaning if the length is halved, the weight it can support is doubled. Using the formula $W_1 \times L_1 = W_2 \times L_2$, where $W_1 = 480$ kg and $L_1 = 5$ m (for the first beam), and $L_2 = 2$ m (for the second beam), we solve for $W_2$, the weight the 2-m beam can support. Substituting the known values, $480 \times 5 = W_2 \times 2$. Solving for $W_2$ gives $W_2 = \frac{480 \times 5}{2} = 1200$ kg.

The Weight That a Horizontal Beam Can Support Varies Inversely