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
7. Non-Right Triangles
Law of Cosines
Problem 7.51
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionFind the force required to keep a 75-lb sled from sliding down an incline that makes an angle of 27° with the horizontal. (Assume there is no friction.)
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inclined Plane
An inclined plane is a flat surface tilted at an angle to the horizontal. It is used to analyze forces acting on objects resting on or moving along the slope. The angle of inclination affects the distribution of gravitational force, which can be resolved into components parallel and perpendicular to the incline.
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Example 2
Components of Forces
Forces acting on an object can be broken down into components along the axes of interest, typically horizontal and vertical. In the case of an incline, the weight of the sled can be decomposed into two components: one acting parallel to the incline (causing it to slide down) and one acting perpendicular to the incline (normal force). Understanding these components is crucial for calculating the net force.
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Position Vectors & Component Form
Newton's Second Law
Newton's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In this scenario, since the sled is not accelerating (it is stationary), the net force must be zero. This principle allows us to set the force required to counteract the component of gravitational force acting down the incline equal to the gravitational force component itself.
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Intro to Law of Cosines
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