Analytic Geometry: Confused on How to Solve Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in analytic geometry related to finding the distance between lines and incorporating a force of 500 Newtons into the solution. The scope includes conceptual understanding and problem-solving strategies in a mathematical context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to solve the problem, specifically questioning how to find the distance between lines and how to incorporate the 500 Newtons.
  • Another participant requests that the original poster share their progress or thoughts to better assist them, emphasizing the importance of showing work in problem-solving.
  • A later reply suggests that if the original poster is unsure where to start, they should consult their teacher, questioning the meaning of "distance between lines" and clarifying that if the lines support a block, the distance is zero.
  • This reply also indicates that the problem involves finding the x, y, and z components of forces, stating that the x and y components must sum to zero and that the z-components must equal 500 Newtons, leading to three equations to solve for tensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there is a clear lack of understanding from the original poster and differing approaches suggested by others. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps to take in solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster does not provide any prior work or attempts at the problem, which limits the ability of others to offer targeted assistance. There is also ambiguity regarding the interpretation of "distance between lines" and the application of the 500 Newtons in the context of the problem.

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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