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The resultant of two forces p and q is 260N, if p is 80N and the angle between p and q is 150°. Find q
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We are given two forces and as vectors.
We are given that the magnitude of is p = 80 N.
We are given that the angle between the vectors and is 150°.
We are given the resultant of forces and is equal to 260 N.
Apply the parallelogram rule of adding forces.
You will have a triangle with the sides p = 80N and q and the angle between them
of 180° - 150° = 30°.
The opposite side of this triangle is 260N (the resultant).
Apply the cosine law
= + - 2*80*q*cos(30°).
Transform to the standard form quadratic equation
q^2 - 2*80*q*(sqrt(3)/2}}} + = 0
q^2 - 138.56q - 61200 = 0.
Solve the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula.
You will get two roots 326.2 (rounded) and -187.6 (rounded).
Since we are looking for the magnitude, we select the positive root 326.2.
ANSWER. The magnitude of q is 326.2 N.
Solved.
Surely, you can work with any other precision you want - the methodology allows you to do it.