Problem

A historically important shipwreck is to be recovered, and a number of fragile wooden beam...

A historically important shipwreck is to be recovered, and a number of fragile wooden beams must be lifted. Specify the dimension d (in terms of length L) where the two lifting slings should be placed so that the maximum absolute value of the moment is as small as possible. Assume the beams are straight with uniform weight distribution, and the cables attached to the slings are vertical. Hint: The optimal value of d will give the same absolute value of the moment at the slings as at the midpoint of the beam.