The magnitudes and directions of two forces acting at a point P are given. Approximate the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector. (Round your answers to one decimal place.)

Question

The magnitudes and directions of two forces acting at a point P are given. Approximate the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector. (Round your answers to one decimal place.)

9.0 lb,    110°

2.0 lb,    215°

magnitude	lb
direction	°

Answer 1

Draw a figure on co-ordinate paper! Remember the diagram of forces is a parallelogram.

The angle between the vectors is 115 degrees.

The other angle in the parallelogram is 75 degrees.

Now the Law of Cosines will get you the magnitude of the resultant force.

Then the Law of SInes will get you the angle between the 9 lb force and the resultant.

Add that angle to 110 to get the direction of the resultant.