Why Can't Rotational Equilibrium Be Achieved in This Problem?

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The discussion centers on a problem involving a beam with three masses and a fulcrum positioned off-center. It is concluded that no matter the mass of mass 2, the beam will always rotate, indicating that rotational equilibrium cannot be achieved. The calculations presented suggest that mass 2 would need to be significantly larger than the other masses to maintain balance, but this is not feasible. Participants recommend drawing a diagram to better visualize the forces at play. Ultimately, the consensus is that the setup inherently prevents equilibrium.
Heisenberg52
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Mass 1 is located at the far left end of a 90 cm beam. Mass 2 is located at the center of the beam, and mass 3 is located 30 cm from the center, on the right side. Mass 3 and mass 1 are the same. If the fulcrum is located 10 cm to the left of the center of the beam, what is the mass of mass 2 if the beam does not rotate?

My attempt: 0 = (m)(g)(35) + (m)(g)(20) - (x)(g)(10)
m corresponds to the two equal masses, and x corresponds to the mass we are looking for.

The answer is that the beam must rotate. In other words, no matter what the mass is for Mass 2, the beam will always rotate.

I just cannot see how this works. My attempt at an answer gave me that x is 5.5 times greater than that of m.
 
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Heisenberg52 said:
Mass 1 is located at the far left end of a 90 cm beam. Mass 2 is located at the center of the beam, and mass 3 is located 30 cm from the center, on the right side. Mass 3 and mass 1 are the same. If the fulcrum is located 10 cm to the left of the center of the beam, what is the mass of mass 2 if the beam does not rotate?

My attempt: 0 = (m)(g)(35) + (m)(g)(20) - (x)(g)(10)
m corresponds to the two equal masses, and x corresponds to the mass we are looking for.

The answer is that the beam must rotate. In other words, no matter what the mass is for Mass 2, the beam will always rotate.
[red emphasis mine.]

Yes, that's correct. No matter how much mass 2 is, an equilibrium cannot be reached.

I just cannot see how this works. My attempt at an answer gave me that x is 5.5 times greater than that of m.
Take another look at the term I marked in red above.

Is the term positive or negative? Where did the "20" come from (are you sure it shouldn't be some other number)?

(It should help to draw out a diagram of the beam and masses.)
 
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