This present invention provides an image reading apparatus aiming at improving
its operability while saving the cost and an image forming apparatus provided with
the same. Sponges for pressing a pressing plate against a platen glass are constituted
of nine sponges. Then, restoration forces Fa to Fc generated when sponges on a
front side of a document feeding apparatus far from a fulcrum shaft of a hinge
unit are crushed are set smaller than restoration forces Fg to Fi generated when
sponges on a deep side of the document feeding apparatus near the fulcrum shaft
45 of the hinge unit are crushed.