Fulcrum.gif (1677 bytes)

You're right! With the fulcrum in the center, it takes 10 pounds to lift the 10-pound object.

However, if you shift the fulcrum to one side, it will change...  If you think about it, when you bend over to pick something up, your waist acts as the fulcrum point in a lever system; and it is certainly not centered.

Fulcrum5.gif (1674 bytes) Will it take more or less force to lift the same 10-pound object with the fulcrum shifted to one side?