Three point masses M1, M2 and M3 are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 'a'. what is the moment of inertia of the system about an axis along the altitude of the triangle passing through M1, ?
The moment of inertia about AD = ? $ I = m_1 (Perpendicular distance of m_1 from AD)^2 + m_2 (Perpendicular distance of m_2 from AD)^2 + m_3 (Perpendicular distance of m_3 from AD)^2 $ $ = 0 + m_2 \times \left( { 9 \over 2} \right) ^2 + m_3 \times \left( { 9 \over 2} \right) ^2 $ $ = ( m_2 + m_3 ) { a^2 \over 4 } $