Two children of mass 19 kg and 27 kg sit balanced on a seesa

Two children of mass 19 kg and 27 kg sit balanced on a seesaw with the pivot point located at the center of the seesaw. Randomized Variablesm1 = 19 kg m2 = 27 kg

If the children are separated by a distance of 3.0 m, at what distance, in meters, from the pivot point is the smaller child sitting in order to maintain the balance?

Solution

Let, distance of small child from pivot point = x

balance the torque,

m1*x1 = m2*x2

19*x = 27*(3 - x)

by solving,

x = 1.76 m