Solving for AB & AC: Find the Solution

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The discussion focuses on solving for the forces AB and AC in a static equilibrium problem involving trigonometric equations. The user derived two key equations: $AB\sin(55^{\circ}) + AC\sin(30^{\circ}) = BC$ and $AB\sin(35^{\circ}) = AC\sin(60^{\circ})$. To solve for AB and AC, the user must also consider the equilibrium conditions, leading to the equations $\sum F_x = AC\sin(30^{\circ}) - AB\sin(55^{\circ}) = 0$ and $\sum F_y = AB\cos(55^{\circ}) + AC\cos(30^{\circ}) - 360\text{ N} = 0$. The problem requires the value of BC to find a definitive solution.

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Find AB and AC in the figure given.

I came up with 2 equations which have 3 unknowns,

$AB\sin(55)+AC\sin(30)=BC$
$AB\sin(35)=AC\sin(60)$

I'm not sure if I'm just missing some given in the problem. Because if BC is given I can solve the equation above. Please help. thanks!
 

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First, let's resolve the 3 forces into their $x$ and $y$ components (where point $D$ is directly below $A$, the mass):

[table="width: 400, class: grid, align: left"]
[tr]
[td]Force[/td]
[td]$x$-component[/td]
[td]$y$-component[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]$\vec{AB}$[/td]
[td]$-\vec{AB}\sin\left(55^{\circ}\right)$[/td]
[td]$\vec{AB}\cos\left(55^{\circ}\right)$[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]$\vec{AC}$[/td]
[td]$\vec{AC}\sin\left(30^{\circ}\right)$[/td]
[td]$\vec{AC}\cos\left(30^{\circ}\right)$[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]$\vec{AD}$[/td]
[td]$0$[/td]
[td]$-360\text{ N}$[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

Now, the first condition for equilibrium gives us the equations:

$$\sum F_x=\vec{AC}\sin\left(30^{\circ}\right)-\vec{AB}\sin\left(55^{\circ}\right)=0$$

$$\sum F_y=\vec{AB}\cos\left(55^{\circ}\right)+\vec{AC}\cos\left(30^{\circ}\right)-360\text{ N}=0$$

Now, you have two equations in two unknowns. :D
 

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