Net Gravitational force on an object

[Jaccobtw]

Homework Statement

A test object of mass m is placed at the origin of a two dimensional coordinate system. An object 1 of the same mass, is at (d, 0) and an object 2, of mass 2m is at (-d, l). What is the magnitude of the vector sum of the gravitational forces exerted on the test object by the other two objects

Relevant Equations

G = 6.6738 x 10^-11

First, start off with x and y directional forces

F (Test object 1) - F x(Test object 2)

I need help primarily with finding the horizontal component of the force from object 2. How do I find it and express it?

Thanks

 

[berkeman]

Start by sketching the problem to scale. Show the positions of the two masses away from the origin, and then draw the two force vectors on the mass at the origin due to the two other masses. You should be able to resolve the x and y components of those two vectors and add them component-wise (keeping the +/- directions consistent).

Can you make that sketch and attach a PDF or JPEG file of it? Thanks.