Solve the Balance: Meter Stick Mass Calculation

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SUMMARY

The problem involves calculating the mass of a meter stick based on its balance points. Initially, the meter stick balances at the 49.7 cm mark on a fulcrum. When a 50 gram mass is added at the 10 cm mark, the fulcrum shifts to the 39.2 cm mark. The correct calculation reveals that the mass of the meter stick is 200 grams, not 245 grams as previously suggested by one participant.

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  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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ah-huh
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"A meter stick is found to balance at the 49.7cm mark when placed on a fulcrum. When a 50 gram mass is attached at the 10cm mark, the fulcrum must be moved to the 39.2 cm mark for balance. What is the mass of the meter stick?"

thats the question and the last one on my homework and its given me the u-know-what. I've tried workin it - one answer i got was 245g... but some reason i am quite sure its wrong.. so any hints or help would be greeeat :smile:
 
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Maybe you can describe your method?
 

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