A 60 pound weight sits 2 feet from a fulcrum. What downward force applied 6 feet from the fulcrum on the other side will balance it?

Correct answer to question 17 (Mechanical Comprehension): 20 pounds

Method

A lever balances when force times distance is equal on both sides. The load side gives 60 x 2 = 120, so the effort side needs 120 / 6 = 20 pounds. Sitting further out means needing less force.