Determine the resultant couple moment

[joker2014]

Homework Statement

4-70 Two couples act on the beam. If F=125 lb. determine the resultant couple moment.

Homework Equations

M=Fd

The Attempt at a Solution

I know CW is + and CCW is - ...and that is determined in the final answer,
I know the solution is taking Forces times the distance, the solution is M=(200*1.5)+(125cos30*1.25)

question is why are they both positive? when do we consider taking negative instead positive? I've seen other solutions for other questions, where they take negative ... I am confused when to take negative or position... so why not -200 or -125 [/B]

 

[SteamKing]

Are you sure your textbook doesn't explain this? Like mentioning the right hand rule?

 

[joker2014]

it didnt, otherwise i wouldn't ask here... you could have did me favor and explained rather than asking me a non sense question.. thank you anyways.

 

[SteamKing]

it didnt, otherwise i wouldn't ask here... you could have did me favor and explained rather than asking me a non sense question.. thank you anyways.

I dropped a rather big hint.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-hand_rule