How Do You Calculate Resultant and Difference of Forces?

[Miraj Kayastha]

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?

 

[adjacent]

Yes,the tow methods are correct.

 

[sophiecentaur]

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.

 

[Miraj Kayastha]

Is the difference in force : (-4) - (-8) or (+8) - (+4)?

 

[Doc Al]

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.

 

[adjacent]

Miraj Kayastha,
What do you understand by the term Difference of forces?