Question

A ladder 4 m long (whose weight may be neglected) is being carried by a builder, with his tools weighing 50 N at one end and a tin of paint weighing 30 N at the other end. How far from the end with the tools should he place his shoulder so that the ladder is balanced?

Answer 1

Let x be the distance from the tool to builder.

I ladder is balanced:

$50x=30(4-x)$

$80x=120$

$x=\frac{120}{80}=1.5 m$