Weights suspended from a disc by three cords
Which of three unequal weights lies nearest the common centre line?
Sketches explore where the common centre of a group of suspended weights falls. A disc ('cerchio') is hung by three cords carrying the weights 4, 2 and 1, with related pyramid-like figures alongside. Leonardo poses the question of which of the three unequal weights will come nearest to their common central line, and by how much one more than another. A ruled rod headed 'c' and carrying the numbers 2, 2/5, 8 and 1 3/5 runs across the top of the leaf.
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Disc hung by three cords bearing weights 4, 2 and 1
A disc is suspended from three cords loaded with the weights 4, 2 and 1, arranged around its rim so that their combined pull determines where the whole hangs in balance.
Which weight lies nearest the common centre line?
In an analogous figure with the weights 4 and 2, Leonardo asks which of the three varied weights will approach nearest to their common central line, and by how much one more than the other.
Numerical rod headed 'c'
A ruled rod at the top is headed 'c' and marked with the numbers 2, 2/5, 8 and 1 3/5 (with the fifths 12/5, 40/5, 8/5), the arithmetic underlying the weight problem below.