2 unknown Forces+known resultant force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the forces Fa and Fb acting on an object being pulled with a resultant force of 970 N along the x-axis. The angles given are 20 degrees for Fa and 51 degrees for Fb. The participant attempted to use the law of sines and cosines but encountered difficulties in deriving the correct values for the forces. A vector diagram was created, but the calculations yielded incorrect results, indicating a misunderstanding of the component breakdown of the forces.

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  • Understanding of vector components in physics
  • Familiarity with the law of sines and law of cosines
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions
  • Ability to construct and interpret vector diagrams
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Homework Statement


Hi, I'm having trouble with my first mechanics assignment and I'd appreciate some help.
So, an object is being pulled using two ropes (Fa and Fb) with a resultant force of 970 N along the x axis. The angle from Fa to the axis is 20 degrees, angle from fb to the axis is 51 degrees. I need to calculate Fa and Fb.

Homework Equations


I think that I need to use either law of sines or cosines but am not sure.
c^2=a^2+b^2-2abcos(c)
sin(A)/a=sin(B)/b=sin(C)/c

The Attempt at a Solution


I made a vector diagram (triangle). I then tried to find F a and b by plugging all my knowns into the law of sines and solving. sin(C)/c=sin(51)/970=8.0118, but when I try to calculate the others based on this I get very small numbers, less than one. What am I doing wrong??
 
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How would you write the x component of ##F_{a}## and ##F_{b}##?
 

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