Finding the Pivot Point for a Seesaw Equilibrium

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pivot point for a seesaw to achieve rotational equilibrium, involving a 442.3 N person and a 286.1 N person on a 2.65 m long seesaw. The correct pivot point is determined to be at 1.04086354 m from one end. The calculations involved the equation 442.3x = 286.1(2.65 - x), leading to a solution that was initially miscalculated. The final consensus confirms the accuracy of the pivot point placement.

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Homework Statement



A 442.3 N person and a 286.1 N person sit on either end of a 2.65 m long seesaw. Where along the seesaw should the pivot point be placed to ensure rotational equilibrium?



Homework Equations



F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



442.3x=286.1(2.65-x)
442.3x+286.1x=286.1(2.65-x)
2.54596295x=2.65-x
x=.104m
 
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physicsgurl12 said:
442.3x=286.1(2.65-x)
442.3x+286.1x=286.1(2.65-x) //What happened here??
2.54596295x=2.65-x
x=.104m

That step should be 442.3x+286.1x=286.1(2.65)
also 2.54596295x=2.65-x will give x = 0.747328733m
 
The correct answer is x = 1.04086354m.
You got a similar answer. That's weird.
 
ashishsinghal said:
The correct answer is x = 1.04086354m.
You got a similar answer. That's weird.

you were right. thanks so much. and yeah that was weird. haha
 

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