The correct solution uses angles and trigonometry. My solution is as following:
- Suppose the forces exerted by friends 1 and 2 are F1 and F2 respectively.
- There are no net force in the x-direction, so F(total x) = 0.
- F(total y) = F1 + F2 - mg = 0 (initially). Rearranging gives g =...