Solving for Acceleration on an Inclined Ramp

[SS2006]

I have a 1kg weight on a rmap inclined 20degrees being pulled upwards and to the left
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************** -
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in that motion above(look at dashes only), is it -ma or +ma?
so the equation is

-a = t - mgsin20
or
a = t - mgsin20
I am just wondering if a leeft movement has anythign to do with gravity (A) being + or-
thanks

 

[Valhalla]

try looking at it in terms of the forces acting in the X direction and the forces acting in the Y direction. Consider where you place your origin.

Then think about which vectors will be positive and which will be negative.

 

[SS2006]

no no i just want a simple anaswre
i just meant weather acceleration should be -ma or +ma

 

[Cyrus]

It has to do with how you define coordinate system.

 

[SS2006]

i have an exam tomorrow and i just wanted to know , are you saying there's no way to tell from the info i sent?
*sigh* nvm..