Solving Astronaut Problem: Force & Acceleration

[fashion_fever]

Homework Statement

Three astronauts equipped with jetpacks are pushing a satellite, having a mass of 127 kg, through space. The forces being exerted on the satellite are F1=31.7 N at an angle of 30.8 degrees above the horizontal, F2=40.2 N at 58.6 degrees below the horizontal, and F3=53.9 N along the horizontal.

What is the magnitude of the satellite's acceleration?

Homework Equations

okay so i thought of finding the total force and then using f=ma.

The Attempt at a Solution

31.7N : 31.7sin30.8, 31.7cos30.8
40.2N: -40.2sin58.6, -40.2cos58.6
53.9N: 53.9sin0, 53.9cos0

i added the sin together and cos together and used Pythagorean Theorem to find the total force and plug that into the equation and i got the answer wrong so i don't know where it's wrong. Plz help..

 

[JaredJames]

What answer did you get? I've worked it out and will compare yours to mine.

Jared

 

[JaredJames]

Here's a hint, the vertical velocities are opposing each other so one is + and one is - (Sin values are correct). Your problem is you have also made your equation so that the horizontal force of the lower guy (below horizontal) is opposing the other two.

Jared

 

[fashion_fever]

oh! omg..okay i got it it was suppose to be +40.2cos58.6..
tytytytyty!

 

[JaredJames]

There we go, glad to help.

Jared