A uniform aluminum beam 9.00 m long, weighing 273 N, rests symmetrically on two supports 4.55 m apart (see figure). A boy weighing 624 N starts at point A and walks toward the right.
(a) In the same diagram construct two graphs showing the upward forces FA and FB exerted on the beam at points A and B as functions of the coordinate x of the boy. Let 1 cm = 100 N vertically, and let 1 cm = 1.00 m horizontally.
(b) From your diagram, how far beyond point B can the boy walk before the beam tips?
(c) How far from the right end of the beam should support B be placed so that the boy can walk just to the end of the beam without causing it to tip?
