Which statement about a three-bend saddle is true?

Which statement about a three-bend saddle is true?

• A. All bends have the same angle.
• B. The side bends are twice the center bend angle.
• C. The center bend angle is larger than each side bend angle.
• D. The center bend angle is smaller than the side bends.

Answer: (C)

In a three-bend saddle, the turning is distributed so that the middle bend carries the main part of the curvature, while the outer bends provide smooth transitions to the straight sections. The central bend defines most of the change in direction, creating the saddle’s characteristic curved center. The side bends are smaller because their job is to connect to the adjacent straight portions without imposing as much turn. If the center bend weren’t larger, the curve would be flatter in the middle and the saddle wouldn’t have its balanced shape. Therefore, the center bend angle is larger than each side bend angle.

In a three-bend saddle, the turning is distributed so that the middle bend carries the main part of the curvature, while the outer bends provide smooth transitions to the straight sections. The central bend defines most of the change in direction, creating the saddle’s characteristic curved center. The side bends are smaller because their job is to connect to the adjacent straight portions without imposing as much turn. If the center bend weren’t larger, the curve would be flatter in the middle and the saddle wouldn’t have its balanced shape. Therefore, the center bend angle is larger than each side bend angle.