Finding magnitude of two forces with given degrees ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the magnitudes of two forces, F1 and F2, given their angles and the resultant force. F1 is at a 45-degree angle and F2 at a 30-degree angle, with the resultant force R having a magnitude of 500 lbf along the positive x-axis. The solution involves using vector components, where the sum of the y-components equals zero and the sum of the x-components equals 500. By setting up a system of equations based on these components, the magnitudes of F1 and F2 can be calculated.

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kari7921
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Homework Statement



Two forces F1 and F2 are applied, F1 makes a 45 degree angle and F2 makes a 30 degree angle. The resultant R has a magnitude of 500 lbf and acts along the positive x-axis. Determine the magnitudes of F1 and F2.

Homework Equations


Pythagorean theorem?

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought using the pythagorean theorem would be used for this problem.
c^2=a^2 + b^2 - 2ab cos Csomebody pleaseeee help me :S
 
Last edited:
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Welcome to PF, Kari.
Yes, not all that clear, is it? I think it means F1 is angled 45 degrees up from the x-axis and F2 is 30 degrees below the x-axis.
Sketch that! Let us label the magnitude of F1 as "a" and the magnitude of F2 as "b".

Two other facts are given.
1. the sum of the vectors is along the x-axis, so the sum of the y components is zero.
2. the sum of the x-components is 500.

Write an equation for each of those facts, based on your diagram, and you will be able to solve them as a system of 2 equations to find the magnitudes a and b.
 

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