Net electric force on a charge on the y-axis from two opposite charges on the x-axis

[Mikeez]

A positively charged particle is placed along the positive x-axis and a particle carrying a negative charge of equal magnitude is placed at equal distance from the origin along the negative x axis. A third particle carrying a positive charge is placed on the y axis. The vector sum of the forces exerted by 1 and 2 on 3 is directed


https://galileo.johnabbott.qc.ca/enc/45/c7a5a185e640153d9d3b6aade2024fb0f4c0c7f8110628cbf8b82d4fddf29e320b25914c8ce9ee43713319c4971f5e652dcfce4b4a98fc9a80132c0edc8e61a2.jpg

1. in the +x direction.
2. in the -x direction.
3. along the y axis.
4. toward particle 1.
5. along another direction.

I tried: 1. in the +x direction. and 3. along the y axis.

 

[squigglywolf]

Draw a free body diagram and use symmetry. Consider the force vectors from charge1 and charge2 one at a time, and add them together as per usual. Note the similarities in the forces exerted on charge3 by charge2 and charge1.