There are six simple machines:

1. **Lever:** A lever is a rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum. The ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of a lever is calculated by dividing the length of the effort arm by the length of the resistance arm.
2. **Wheel and axle:** A wheel and axle is a combination of two wheels, one larger than the other, that are connected by a rod. The IMA of a wheel and axle is calculated by dividing the radius of the larger wheel by the radius of the smaller wheel.
3. **Pulley:** A pulley is a wheel with a groove around the edge, over which a rope or chain can be run. The IMA of a pulley is calculated by counting the number of supporting ropes.
4. **Inclined plane:** An inclined plane is a flat surface that is sloped at an angle. The IMA of an inclined plane is calculated by dividing the length of the inclined plane by the height of the inclined plane.
5. **Wedge:** A wedge is a two-sided inclined plane that is joined together at a point. The IMA of a wedge is calculated by dividing the length of the wedge by the width of the wedge at its base.
6. **Screw:** A screw is a rotating inclined plane. The IMA of a screw is calculated by dividing the distance between the threads of the screw by the circumference of the screw.

**Ideal mechanical advantage (IMA)** is a measure of how much a simple machine multiplies the input force. It is calculated assuming that there is no friction or other losses of energy in the machine. In reality, all machines have some friction, so the actual mechanical advantage will always be less than the IMA.

Here is a table summarizing the six simple machines and their ideal mechanical advantages:

| Simple machine | Ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) |
|---|---|
| Lever | Length of effort arm / Length of resistance arm |
| Wheel and axle | Radius of larger wheel / Radius of smaller wheel |
| Pulley | Number of supporting ropes |
| Inclined plane | Length of inclined plane / Height of inclined plane |
| Wedge | Length of wedge / Width of wedge at base |
| Screw | Distance between threads / Circumference of screw |

Simple machines are used in a wide variety of applications, from simple tools like crowbars and wheelbarrows to complex machines like cars and airplanes. They make it possible for us to do work that would be impossible or very difficult to do without them.
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