🔍 Key Concepts

• Safe Working Load (SWL) vs. Breaking Strength of line • How to apply a safety factor to reduce the maximum allowable load • Basic division of a total load by a safety factor

💭 Think About

• How is safe working load normally related to the breaking strength of a line? Do you multiply or divide by the safety factor? • If the line breaks at 4.9 tons, and you want a safety factor of 5, about how large should the allowable working load be compared to 4.9? Much larger, slightly smaller, or much smaller? • Once you calculate the number, compare it with the choices and think about which ones are clearly too large to be considered safe relative to the breaking strength.

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm the formula: SWL = Breaking Strength ÷ Safety Factor (for this type of exam problem). • Check your units: everything is in tons, so no conversion is needed. • After your calculation, ask: Is my SWL comfortably below 4.9 tons? Eliminate any options that are not.