Trig. identities method problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving two equations related to tension in wires supporting a weight, using trigonometric identities. The equations involve the angles alpha and beta, leading to the relationships between the tensions Tab and Tbc. A step-by-step approach is provided, starting with expressing Tbc in terms of Tab and substituting it into the second equation. The solution involves manipulating the equations to isolate Tab and Tbc, ultimately leading to the correct values of 9.67 and 12.334. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulation to solve the problem.
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I've been struggling with the followings equations (I know that can be solved by Trig. identities method) and I tried almost everything but I can't get them right.
the equations are the following:
-Tab*cos(alpha)+Tbc*cos(beta) = 0 (eq.1)
Tab*sin(alpha)+Tbc*sin(beta)=15
We know the angular values for alpha and beta, and also I reviewed the answers on my workbook and they are; Tab=9.67 and Tbc=12.334, I would like if someone can show me how to solve those identities step by a step.
Thanks in advance
Those equations are part of a problem in mechanics of materials, in which two wires are supporting a weigth (15) both in different known angles (that's why the equations of equilibrium yield those two precedent equations) but I can't get the correct results for each tension in the wires, I know they are trig. identities and something I am doing is not coming well enough in the algebraic procedure.
Thanks
 
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According to the question
for my convenience let alpha=A and beta=B
there are two equations
Tbc*cosB - Tab*cosA = 0 ------i
Tab*sinA+Tbc*sinB=15-------ii
From i
Tbc*cosB = Tab*cosA
=> Tbc=Tab*cosA/cosB dividing by cosB both sides
Placing this value in ii
=> Tab*sinA + (Tab*cosA/cosB)*sinB = 15
=> Tab*(sinA + cosAsinB/cosB) = 15
=> Tab*(sinAcosB + cosAsinB)/cosB = 15
=> Tab*sin(A + B) / cosB = 15 As sin(A+B)=(sinA*cosB)+(cosA*sinB)
=> Tab = 15*cosB/sin(A + B)
Placing this value in
Tbc = Tab * cosA / cosB
now u can calculate the values
 
Naumaan gave a perfectly good answer but I would do it a slightly different way.
Multiply the first equation by T_{ab}cos(\alpha)+T_{bc}cos(\beta) to get T_{bc} cos^2(\alpha)-T_{ab}cos^2(\beta)= 0.
Multiply the second equation by T_{ab} sin(\alpha)- T_{bc}sin(\beta) to get T_{ab}^2 sin^2(\alpha)- T_{bc}^2 sin^2(\beta)= 15T_{ab}sin(\alpha)- 15T_{bc}sin(\beta and add the two equations. since sin^2(x)+ cos^2(x)= 1, that gives T_{ab}^2 - T_{bc}^2= 15T_{ab}sin(\alpha)- 15T_{bc}sin(\beta which involves only sines of \alpha and \beta.

Use T_{ab}sin(\alpha)+ T_{bc}sin(\beta)= 15 to replace either sin(\alpha) or sin(\beta) by the other and solve the resulting equation.
 
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