Unsolvable Force Components Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the calculation of two force components, F1 and F2, using a system of equations derived from force balance. The equations involve trigonometric functions of angles related to the forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rearranging equations to express one variable in terms of another and substituting into the system. There are attempts to simplify the equations by combining them and addressing trigonometric values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on manipulating the equations, suggesting methods to isolate variables. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations involved, with participants questioning the accuracy of results obtained.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific methods or formats for solving the problem. There is a focus on ensuring the correct application of trigonometric identities and arithmetic operations.

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 [tex]\frac{1000}{\sqrt{3}+1}[/tex]
 

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