How Do You Calculate Resultant and Difference of Forces?

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The resultant of forces -4 Newton and -8 Newton is calculated as (-4) + (-8) = -12 N, while the difference is calculated as (-4) - (-8) = +4 N. Both methods are confirmed to be correct. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical meaning behind the resultant and difference of forces, suggesting that the expressions for difference are equivalent and can be manipulated algebraically.

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Miraj Kayastha
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There are forces -4 and -8 Newton.
If we need to find the resultant of the force we do : (-4) + (-8) = -12 N
If we need to find the difference in force we do : (-4) - (-8) = +4N

Are the two methods correct?
 
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Yes,the tow methods are correct.
 
Miraj Kayastha said:
There are forces -4 and -8 Newton.
If we need to find the resultant of the force we do : (-4) + (-8) = -12 N
If we need to find the difference in force we do : (-4) - (-8) = +4N

Are the two methods correct?

Yes
The resultant force has a physical meaning that is easy to grasp but what do you think the 'difference' represents? It's worth while exploring around things like this if you want to improve your understanding.
 
Is the difference in force : (-4) - (-8) or (+8) - (+4)?
 
Miraj Kayastha said:
Is the difference in force : (-4) - (-8) or (+8) - (+4)?
Those expression are equivalent.

A + (-B) = A - B

-A - (-B) = -A + B = B - A, etc.
 
Miraj Kayastha,
What do you understand by the term Difference of forces?
 

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