How does a pulley make work easier?

Answer 1

1) it doesn't. Work = force x distance. So a pulley that reduces force will also increase distance -

but -

it can reduce the force needed to move something

thus making life easier.

Answer:

It depends on the number of pulleys and their arrangement. A single pulley does not change the force required to lift something. But, other pulley arrangements do. Four pulleys can be arranged into a thing called a block & tackle that can divide the force required to lift something by four. But, the rope must be extended four times as long to do this.

Answer 2

A pulley reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object by distributing the workload between multiple sections of a rope or cable. It allows the force to be applied in a more convenient direction, making it easier to lift a heavy object with less effort. The use of a pulley system also increases the distance over which the force is applied, which can help to overcome gravitational forces more effectively.