Analytic Geometry: Confused on How to Solve Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a problem in analytic geometry involving the calculation of forces acting on a block. The user is confused about how to incorporate the 500 Newtons into their calculations and how to find the distance between lines. It is clarified that the distance between the lines supporting the block is zero, as they converge at the block. The key takeaway is that the user must determine the x, y, and z components of the forces, ensuring that the x and y components sum to zero while the z-component equals 500 Newtons, leading to three equations to solve for the tensions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of analytic geometry concepts
  • Knowledge of force components in physics
  • Ability to solve systems of equations
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of force decomposition in physics
  • Learn how to solve systems of linear equations
  • Explore the concept of tension in static equilibrium
  • Review analytic geometry techniques for distance calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics and mathematics, particularly those tackling problems involving forces and analytic geometry. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to understand the application of forces in static systems.

chiami
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I am actually very confused on how to solve the problem. Do I just find the distance between the lines? How do I incorporate the 500 Newtons into the problem? Really confused.

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Hello chiami and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 
greg1313 said:
Hello chiami and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?

i edited what I wrote the first time, and it explains that I can't really explain what I don't know because I don't even know where to start
 
If, in fact, you have absolutely no idea where to start, you need to talk to your teacher. For one thing, you titled this "how to find distance between lines". What lines? If you mean the lines supporting the block, that "distance" is 0 because they all meet at the block! What you need to do is find the three x, y, and z components of the forces. As the weight is not "swaying" from side to side, the x and y components must sum to 0. Since the weight itself is 500 Newtons, the sum of the z-components must be 500 Newtons. That gives you three equations to solve for the three tensions.

Again, if you really do not know how to do any of those things, you need to talk to your teacher who clearly believes you should.
 

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