Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
8. Vectors
Geometric Vectors
Problem 7.27
Textbook Question
Two forces act on a point in the plane. The angle between the two forces is given. Find the magnitude of the resultant force.
forces of 250 and 450 newtons, forming an angle of 85°
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Identify the magnitudes of the two forces and the angle between them. Here, the forces are 250 newtons and 450 newtons, and the angle between them is 85°.
Use the formula for the magnitude of the resultant force when two forces are acting at an angle: \( R = \sqrt{F_1^2 + F_2^2 + 2F_1F_2\cos(\theta)} \), where \( F_1 \) and \( F_2 \) are the magnitudes of the two forces, and \( \theta \) is the angle between them.
Substitute the given values into the formula: \( R = \sqrt{250^2 + 450^2 + 2 \times 250 \times 450 \times \cos(85°)} \).
Calculate the cosine of 85° using a scientific calculator or cosine table.
Evaluate the square root expression to find the magnitude of the resultant force.
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