Picture: Machine

This picture represents and inclined plane or machine. An inclined plane does not reduce energy, but rather causes you to use energy efficiently. For example a ramp on the back of a truck does not reduce the energy (energy stays the same) but reduces the force. It reduces the force because it increases the distance--> (D)(f) or (F)(d). when solving these types of problems you use the equation work in=work out, or (f)(d)=(f)(d). If we were to solve a problem lets say that the ramp is 4m long, and the height is 1m heigh and the force is 400N. you would then say...
work in=work out
(f)(d)=(f)(d)
(4m)(f)=(400)(1)
4f=400
f=100N