Find Centroid: Solve Homework Statement

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the centroid of a composite figure using the equation \bar{Y}A_{TOT}=\bar{Y_1}A_1+\bar{Y_2}A_2+\bar{Y_3}A_3. The attempt at a solution involves calculating the individual centroids and areas of each component and then finding the total centroid. The final answer differs slightly from the book's answer, but the individual steps seem to be correct.
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suspenc3
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Homework Statement



http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/214/centroidssk4.th.jpg


Homework Equations



[tex]\bar{Y}A_{TOT}=\bar{Y_1}A_1+\bar{Y_2}A_2+\bar{Y_3}A_3[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



by observation:

[tex]\bar{Y_1}=7.5mm[/tex]
[tex]\bar{Y_2}=82.5mm[/tex]
[tex]\bar{Y_3}=215mm[/tex]
[tex]A_1=(15mm)(150mm)=2250mm^2[/tex]
[tex]A_2=(15mm)(150mm)=2250mm^2[/tex]
[tex]A_3=(\pi)(50mm^2)=7854mm^2[/tex]

[tex]A_{TOT}=12354mm^2[/tex]

[tex]\bar{Y}=\frac{1891110mm^3}{12354mm^2}[/tex]

[tex]\bar{Y} = 153.1mm[/tex]

The book says the answer is 154mm, I know that its not off by far but am I doing something wrong, or is the book rounding off somewhere? I am slightly off on every single question I attempt!
 
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  • #2
suspenc3 said:
[tex]\bar{Y_2}=82.5mm[/tex]
Correct this one.
 
  • #3
Righhhht, Dumb Mistake

Thanks
 

1. What is a centroid and why is it important?

A centroid is the point at the center of an object, where all the mass of the object is equally distributed. It is important because it helps us understand the distribution of mass in an object, which is crucial in various fields of science such as physics, engineering, and mathematics.

2. How do you find the centroid of a shape?

The centroid of a shape can be found by taking the average of all the coordinates of the shape's vertices. Alternatively, it can also be calculated using various mathematical formulas specific to different shapes.

3. What information is needed to find the centroid of a shape?

The information needed to find the centroid of a shape varies depending on the shape. Generally, the coordinates of the vertices or the dimensions of the shape are required. For more complex shapes, additional information such as the density or area distribution may also be needed.

4. Why is finding the centroid useful in engineering?

In engineering, finding the centroid is useful in determining the stability and strength of structures. It helps engineers understand how the weight of an object is distributed and allows them to design structures that can withstand the forces acting on them.

5. How does finding the centroid relate to solving homework problems?

Finding the centroid is a common problem in many science and engineering courses. It is often used to test students' understanding of concepts such as mass distribution, moment of inertia, and center of mass. Solving homework problems related to finding the centroid helps students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and strengthen their understanding of these important concepts.

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