An equilateral triangle w/3 =forces, 1/side,why is sum of torques always= at any pt?

[mistymoon_38]

Homework Statement

and why is it FLcos(30)?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

So by looking at the soln, D(distance)=Lcos(30), which should be the hieght of the traingle. But the distances between a the forces at any point don't always add up to the hieght.. I am confused

 

[alphysicist]

Hi mistymoon_38,

Homework Statement

and why is it FLcos(30)?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

So by looking at the soln, D(distance)=Lcos(30), which should be the hieght of the traingle. But the distances between a the forces at any point don't always add up to the hieght.. I am confused

Could you provide more details about how the triangle and the forces are setup (are the forces acting on the midpoints of the sides, going out, or something else)? and about the calculation that you are talking about (as in where is the pivot point for the torque equation)?

 

[mistymoon_38]

i figured it out on my own. thanks anyways