A wedge is simply a triangular tool made of two inclined planes, but it can take on many complex jobs. These include cutting objects into pieces, holding objects in place, and lifting heavy loads. When attached to a handle, a wedge becomes a knife, ax, or shovel that makes even more tasks easier. This volume gives readers a lasting understanding of the forces that make these devices work. The concepts in this book bolster STEM curricula and feature eye-catching photographs, age-appropriate text, and a picture gallery of real-world wedges allowing readers to understand the continued importance of this simple machine in their daily lives.