How Is Torque Calculated on a Diving Board?

[PeachBanana]

Homework Statement

Calculate the torque (magnitude and direction) about the front support post (B) of a diving board , exerted by a 60 kg person 3.0 m from that post. See picture.

Homework Equations

τ = Fr

The Attempt at a Solution

τ clockwise = τ counterclockwise

(60 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(4.0 m) = τ counterclockwise

I used "A" as the origin. Did I approach this incorrectly?

 

[cepheid]

They asked you to compute the torque around point B.

Also, you just need to compute the torque due to the person

 

[PeachBanana]

Oh I see. By using 4.0 m I considered the torque around point A.

(60 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(3.0 m) ≈ 1800 N * m

 

[cepheid]

Seems okay