A beam supports three loads of given magnitude and a fourth load whose magnitude is a func...

A beam supports three loads of given magnitude and a fourth load whose magnitude is a function of position. If b= 1.5 m and the loads are to be replaced with a single equivalent force, determine (a) the value of a so that the distance from support A to the line of action of the equivalent force is maximum, (b) the magnitude of the equivalent force and its point of application on the beam.