Tension problem with 2 strings, 1 mass

[jay1194]

Homework Statement

So In this problem, I have two strings, one string pulls with pounds and is 30 degrees away from an imaginary line straight down of of the two strings and there are no variables or degrees given for the second string. The weight is 20 pounds. I have been looking at this equation for hours and nothing is coming to mind. The answer is 10.3 pounds, but i don't know what to do to get there. Also have to have a free body diagram.

here is a picture of problem 2.2. The numbers is parenthesis are the answers to the problem. If i could find the answer for a, then i could easily do b.

 

[SteamKing]

Homework Statement

So In this problem, I have two strings, one string pulls with pounds and is 30 degrees away from an imaginary line straight down of of the two strings and there are no variables or degrees given for the second string. The weight is 20 pounds. I have been looking at this equation for hours and nothing is coming to mind. The answer is 10.3 pounds, but i don't know what to do to get there. Also have to have a free body diagram.

here is a picture of problem 2.2. The numbers is parenthesis are the answers to the problem. If i could find the answer for a, then i could easily do b.

Well, is the weight moving at all when it is suspended by the wires? If it isn't, what does that tell you about the forces acting on the weight?

 

[jay1194]

No, it isn't moving at all. The forces are keeping the weight static. That is all I know. I've been staring at this problem for hours and still can't do a thing
The basic equation he told us to use is:
∑F_x = ma_x

 

[SteamKing]

No, it isn't moving at all. The forces are keeping the weight static. That is all I know. I've been staring at this problem for hours and still can't do a thing
The basic equation he told us to use is:
∑F_x = ma_x

Since the weight is not moving, it is in equilibrium, so that particular equation will be of little use in solving this problem.

If you were to draw a free body diagram, could you write the equations of static equilibrium for this weight?

 

[haruspex]

No, it isn't moving at all. The forces are keeping the weight static. That is all I know. I've been staring at this problem for hours and still can't do a thing
The basic equation he told us to use is:
∑F_x = ma_x

If nothing starts to move, what is the value of a_x? There's also the y direction.