Calculating Net Force and Direction on Bolt A

[Dr Meow]

Homework Statement

Four forces act on bolt A as shown. Determine the net force (in Newtons) and direction (in degrees upward from the x-axis) acting on the bolt.

Homework Equations

Law of Sines: a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC
Law of Cosines: a^2= b^2 + c^2 - 2bccosA

The Attempt at a Solution

I am totally lost, I really don't know where to even start.

 

[Winzer]

You can start by finding the vector form for each force.
How would then find the TOTAL force?

 

[Dr Meow]

By vector form do you mean to find the opposite of each angle's side length? As in the O for SOH CAH TOA?

 

[Winzer]

By vector form do you mean to find the opposite of each angle's side length? As in the O for SOH CAH TOA?

I mean the components for each vector, in the y and x direction.
$$\vec{F} = F_x i + F_y j$$.
You will have to use trig.

 

[Dr Meow]

I mean the components for each vector, in the y and x direction.
$$\vec{F} = F_x i + F_y j$$.
You will have to use trig.

I'm sorry, but I'm still a little lost on what you mean. I know how to do trig but I don't really understand the terminology. By components would you mean to use sin30=x/150 in order to get the opposite length for the force in quadrant 1?