Finding the Pivot Point for a Seesaw Equilibrium

[physicsgurl12]

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

 

[ashishsinghal]

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

 

[ashishsinghal]

The correct answer is x = 1.04086354m.
You got a similar answer. That's weird.

 

[physicsgurl12]

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