How do you solve compound body problems with three masses and one pulley?

[Stradivarius]

http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/consider-situation-shown-figure-40-kg-mass-replaced-65-kg-mass-frictional-coefficient-0301-q1351583

I missed class recently, and I don't understand how to do compound body problems. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[SammyS]

http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/consider-situation-shown-figure-40-kg-mass-replaced-65-kg-mass-frictional-coefficient-0301-q1351583

I missed class recently, and I don't understand how to do compound body problems. Any help would be appreciated!

Hello Stradivarius. Welcome to PF !

The problem given in that link.

Consider the situation shown in the figure but with the 4.0- kg mass replaced by a 6.5- kg mass. The frictional coefficient is 0.30.

1) Find the acceleration of the system.  2) What is the tension T₁?  3) What is the tension T₂?


Do you have any ideas at all regarding how to solve part 1) ?

(According to the rules of this Forum, you need to show an attempt, before we can help you.)