the mechanical advantage for a machine is defined as the output force divided by the input force. since the output force is typically greater than the input force, this value is normally greater than one. for an ideal machine, what would be another way of representing the mechanical advantage? the mechanical advantage for a machine is defined as the output force divided by the input force. since the output force is typically greater than the input force, this value is normally greater than one. for an ideal machine, what would be another way of representing the mechanical advantage? (output distance)/(input distance)