Finding components of two forces given magnitude and direction

[cowgiljl]

1a) F1 = 210 Newtons, 43.0 degrees Wof N

I drew the picture
F1x = 210 cos 43 = 154 N
F1y = 210 sin 43 = 143 N

2a) F2 = 76.0 Newtons, 23.7 degrees Sof E
same set up[ as above

F2x = 70 N
f2y = 31 N or should this be negitive

 

[Doc Al]

I assume the problem is to find the x & y components of the given forces.

Originally posted by cowgiljl
1a) F1 = 210 Newtons, 43.0 degrees Wof N

I drew the picture
F1x = 210 cos 43 = 154 N
F1y = 210 sin 43 = 143 N

If the 43 degrees is as you say (W of N), then you have mixed up the x & y components. (Careful with the angles.) Also, the x component would be negative.

2a) F2 = 76.0 Newtons, 23.7 degrees Sof E
same set up[ as above

F2x = 70 N
f2y = 31 N or should this be negitive

This time you didn't mix up the angles. Yes, the y-component is negative.

 

[M98Ranger]

Great job on drawing the picture and setting up the equations for finding the x and y components of the forces! Your calculations for F1x and F1y are correct. However, for F2x, the value should be 74.6 N instead of 70 N. And for F2y, the value should be -31.3 N since it is pointing in the opposite direction of the y-axis. Keep up the good work!