Gravitational Force on an object

[coffeecake]

Homework Statement

If there are three objects (in a right triangle formation) with different masses (say x,y,z) (with y being the mass at the 90 degree angle) and different distances between x and y (distance A) and between y and z (distance B), how do you find the gravitational force between mass x and mass y?

y-----x
|
|
|
z

there's my best attempt at a picture

Homework Equations

Gm1m2/(r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

(Gm1m2)/(r^2) A.K.A. [G(massofx)(massofy)]/(distanceA^2)
is that the right equation? I checked my answer but it was incorrect.
does the angle have anything to do with it?

 

[hage567]

Homework Statement

If there are three objects (in a right triangle formation) with different masses (say x,y,z) (with y being the mass at the 90 degree angle) and different distances between x and y (distance A) and between y and z (distance B), how do you find the gravitational force between mass x and mass y?

y-----x
|
|
|
z

there's my best attempt at a picture

Homework Equations

Gm1m2/(r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

(Gm1m2)/(r^2) A.K.A. [G(massofx)(massofy)]/(distanceA^2)
is that the right equation? I checked my answer but it was incorrect.
does the angle have anything to do with it?

Are you sure you have written out the question correctly? Also, post more details of your calculations, so we can check for errors.

 

[thebigstar25]

I think you are using the right equation to find the gravitational force between two objects .. is it an online homework question or you have another solution from the textbook? .. and I don't think the angle has anything to do here , unless you are asked to find the gravitational force between x and z since it will simplfy the way to get it, but in your question I don't think you need this information ..

If the question you wrote is not completed please write any missing information ..