Unsolvable Force Components Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving two force components, F1 and F2, through a system of equations. The equations provided are F1sin45 + F2cos30 = 500 lbf and F1sin45 - F2sin30 = 0. Participants suggest rearranging the second equation to express F1 in terms of F2 and substituting it into the first equation. After some manipulation, one user calculates F2 but questions the accuracy of their result, leading to a clarification on the correct expression for F2. The conversation emphasizes step-by-step problem-solving techniques for systems of equations in physics.
Ryuk1990
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Homework Statement



I've got this physics problem where I'm working to find the magnitudes of two force components.

Homework Equations



F1sin45 + F2cos30 = 500 lbf

F1sin45 - F2sin30 = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried so many times by substituting F1 and F2 into both equations but I just can't seem to solve for them. Can someone guide me on how to solve this particular problem step by step because I have to solve a bunch of these.
 
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Can you show us exactly what you are doing to solve the system?

What you could do is re-arrange the second equation to get F1 in terms of F2 and then substitute it into the first equation.
 
Ryuk1990 said:

Homework Statement



I've got this physics problem where I'm working to find the magnitudes of two force components.

Homework Equations



F1sin45 + F2cos30 = 500 lbf...(1)

F1sin45 - F2sin30 = 0...(2)

Both equations 1 and 2 contain F1sin45, you can just subtract equations 1 and 2, and get F2, remember sin30°=1/2 and co30°=√3/2
 
You can add, divide, subtract equations when dealing with systems.
 
rock.freak667 said:
Both equations 1 and 2 contain F1sin45, you can just subtract equations 1 and 2, and get F2, remember sin30°=1/2 and co30°=√3/2

Ok I did what you said, but I end up with this:

F2(√3/2) + F2(1/2) = 500

How do I get F2 alone now?
 
(root 3 +1)F_2/2=500
1000/(root 3+1)=f_2
 
I got 577.35 for F2. Is that right?
 
no. its \frac{1000}{\sqrt{3}+1}
 
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