How can the IMA of a first - class lever be increased?

Decrease the length between the applied effort and the pivot.

Increase the length between the applied effort and the pivot.

Decrease the applied effort and increase the distance between it and the pivot. Decrease the applied effort and decrease the distance between it and the pivot.

IMA = Ideal Mechanical Advantage

First class lever = > F1 * x2 = F2 * x1

Where F1 is the force applied to beat F2. The distance from F1 and the pivot is x1 and the distance from F2 and the pivot is x2

=> F1/F2 = x1 / x2

IMA = F1/F2 = x1/x2

Now you can see the effects of changing F1, F2, x1 and x2.

If you decrease the lengt X1 between the applied effort (F1) and the pivot, IMA decreases.

If you increase the length X1 between the applied effort (F1) and the pivot, IMA increases.

If you decrease the applied effort (F1) and increase the distance between it and the pivot (X1) the new IMA may incrase or decrase depending on the ratio of the changes.

If you decrease the applied effort (F1) and decrease the distance between it and the pivot (X1) IMA will decrease.

Answer: Increase the length between the applied effort and the pivot.