String with mass pulling block up frictionless ramp

[PsychonautQQ]

Homework Statement

A block of mass M has a string of mass m attached to it. A force F is applied to the string and it pulls the block up a frictionless plane that is inclined at an angle theta. Find the force that the string exerts on the block

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

Force of the string on the block = Force of the block on the string = N
Force applied to string = F
acceleration of block = acceleration of string = a[/B]

My first equation was the net-force equation for the string:
ma = -mg*sin(theta) - N + F

My second equation was the net-force equation for the block:
Ma = -Mg*sin(theta) + N

solving for the acceleration in the top equation and plugging it into the second equation gives the following (after a small amount of algebra)

N = (F/m)*(1+M/m)^-1

Which is not the answer I am supposed to be getting. I am guessing the problem is with my net-force equations but I can't located a specific problem. Anyone want to explain what I'm doing wrong here?

 

[Konoha]

first try and write the net-force equation for the whole system (meaning substitute a block M and a string m, with a new object with mass M+m) Now we can forget about internal forces between mass and string. so we just have two force, the force f we apply and the one due to gravity. This way you can find a (acceleration) of the objects.

 

[haruspex]

Your initial equations are ok but you must have gone wrong in the subsequent algebra. Your final equation is not dimensionally consistent.