[Very Easy] Factors, Divisors and Mechanical Advantage

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the mechanical advantage of a lever, specifically focusing on the relationship between force and distance in the context of work input and output. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the calculation of distance 'd' when the mechanical advantage is given as 0.08.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force and distance in the context of mechanical advantage, with one suggesting that distance 'd' is multiplied by 1/0.8 to maintain the equality of the work equation. Another participant questions the validity of an addition operation introduced in a subsequent example.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants examining different interpretations of the mechanics involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the manipulation of the equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the operations involved.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the operations used in the equations, particularly the introduction of addition in the context of mechanical advantage, which has not been clearly resolved.

Wolfowitz
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Homework Statement


The mechanical advantage of a lever is 0.08; force is not amplified, it is simply diminished; distance, however, is increased:

Work input = Work output
F x d = F x d
F x d = 0.8F x ?(d)

This must be a really basic question, but I'm compelled to ask as I'm somewhat innumerate - what's 'd' multiplied or divided by for the equation to be true?
 
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d is multiplied by 1/0.8
so that it cancels the 0.8 alongside the F
to leave you with F x d as before

which is the same as saying d is divided by 0.8, though, to me, not as clear.
 
Really? Presume f = 2, d = 4:

F x D = F x D
2 x 4 = 0.8(2) + 1.25(4)
8 = 1.6 + 5
8 = 6.6

?
 
Where did that addition operation spring from?
 

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