What is the mechanical advantage of a pulley with 3 support ropes?

The mechanical advantage is 3 to 1

Explanation:

A frictionless pulley with three support ropes carries equal tension on each of the ropes thus;

Tension in each pulley rope = T

Total tension in the 3 ropes = 3 × T = 3·T

Direction of the tension forces on each rope = Unidirectional

Total force provided by the 3 ropes = 3·T

Therefore, a force, T, applied at the end of the rope will result in a lifting force of 3·T

Hence, the mechanical advantage = 3·T to T which is presented as follows;

The mechanical advantage = 3 to 1.