Why Can't I Solve This Static Friction Ladder Problem?

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jordan35
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Homework Statement


See attachment.


Homework Equations


F = μN

The Attempt at a Solution


I attached the FBD I drew. I then did
ƩFx = FA + FBcosθ - NBsinθ = 0
ƩFy = NA -W + NBcosθ + FBsinθ = 0
ƩMA = 19.5NB - 3.75W = 0
ƩMB = 3.75W - 7.5NA + 18FA = 0
FA = μNA
FB = μNB
θ = arctan(18/7.5) = 67.38°

I know μ is supposed to equal .18, but I can't get it. I've tried substituting different things I don't know how many times now, and I can usually get to an expression of just μ or μ and θ, but I can never get it to equal .18.
 
Attachments
  • Free-body setup of a ladder leaning against a vertical wall, with end A on the floor and end B at the top against the wall; the floor distance is 7.5 ft and the wall height is 18 ft.
    Capture.PNG
    10.6 KB · Views: 538
  • Hand-drawn free-body diagram of a ladder leaning against a wall at angle theta, with forces N_A, F_A, W, N_B and F_B labelled at its base and top.
    Capture2.PNG
    2.4 KB · Views: 520
Last edited:
The angles at the wall are wrong on your FBD. They should both be 90-theta.