College

If the balance bar of a balance beam scale points to the midpoint when the large counterweight is at 100, and the small counterweight is 2 lines to the right of the mark for 30, what is the patient's weight?

A. 32 pounds
B. 73 pounds
C. 128 pounds
D. 132 pounds
E. 264 pounds

Answer :

To find the patient's weight using the balance beam scale, we follow these steps:

1. Identify the Large Counterweight:
The scale's large counterweight is positioned at 100. This means that 100 pounds are accounted for by this part of the balance beam.

2. Determine the Position of the Small Counterweight:
The small counterweight is 2 lines to the right of the mark for 30. Assuming each line represents 1 unit, the small counterweight would be positioned at 30 + 2 = 32.

3. Calculate the Total Weight:
To find the patient's weight, add the large counterweight value and the small counterweight value:
[tex]\[
\text{Patient's Weight} = 100 + 32 = 132 \text{ pounds}
\][/tex]

Therefore, the patient's weight is 132 pounds. The correct answer is option d: 132 pounds.