There HAS to be a mistake in this question (simple vectors question) please look

[Femme_physics]

Homework Statement

Force R that acts on point O, is the combined force of two forces: Q that's applied horizontally, and F, whose line of action is along OB. (I think it ought to be an arrow there instead of a line)... Calculate Q and F, if R is 550 [N]

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/705/38305098.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, as you can see, R - the combined vector, is not pointing where it should! That doesn't make sense.

In addition, according to the answers

Q = 568.58 [N]
F = 197.47 [N]

How can Q be greater than the combined vector if they're not opposite to each other?

-Femme_physics (formerly Dory)

 

[Femme_physics]

Sorry, I fixed the image now

 

[Femme_physics]

Ah I see it for myself now.. it acts ALONG OB, the arrow is actually reverse from the drawn line...

 

[Femme_physics]

Trying to solve for the question at hand...no result I get is the correct result... :(

What am I doing wrong? I tried 3 different triangles and none of them work!

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Femme_physics!

Why did you change your name?

(It wasn't something I said, was it?)

What am I doing wrong?

Nothing … the whole universe is against you!

The question should say 500, not 550.

(I checked using the sine rule)

 

[Femme_physics]

Ah...w00t! :) So there IS a mistake!

(It wasn't something I said, was it?)

Yes! Yes it was! But, it just reinforced my feelings that Dory can be construed as a MALE name as opposed to female... so I changed it... on second thought I should've went with Dora, but I don't want to drive the mods here crazy so I'll leave it as is...thanks tim!