Solving for AB & AC: Find the Solution

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In summary, the problem involves finding the unknown values of AB and AC in a figure using two equations with three unknowns. The equations can be solved by resolving the forces into their x and y components and setting them equal to 0 to satisfy the condition of equilibrium.
  • #1
paulmdrdo1
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Find AB and AC in the figure given.

I came up with 2 equations which have 3 unknowns,

$AB\sin(55)+AC\sin(30)=BC$
$AB\sin(35)=AC\sin(60)$

I'm not sure if I'm just missing some given in the problem. Because if BC is given I can solve the equation above. Please help. thanks!
 

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First, let's resolve the 3 forces into their $x$ and $y$ components (where point $D$ is directly below $A$, the mass):

Force$x$-component$y$-component
$\vec{AB}$$-\vec{AB}\sin\left(55^{\circ}\right)$$\vec{AB}\cos\left(55^{\circ}\right)$
$\vec{AC}$$\vec{AC}\sin\left(30^{\circ}\right)$$\vec{AC}\cos\left(30^{\circ}\right)$
$\vec{AD}$$0$$-360\text{ N}$

Now, the first condition for equilibrium gives us the equations:

\(\displaystyle \sum F_x=\vec{AC}\sin\left(30^{\circ}\right)-\vec{AB}\sin\left(55^{\circ}\right)=0\)

\(\displaystyle \sum F_y=\vec{AB}\cos\left(55^{\circ}\right)+\vec{AC}\cos\left(30^{\circ}\right)-360\text{ N}=0\)

Now, you have two equations in two unknowns. :D
 

FAQ: Solving for AB & AC: Find the Solution

What is the purpose of solving for AB and AC?

The purpose of solving for AB and AC is to find the values of the unknown sides in a right triangle. This allows us to use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse or one of the legs, which is useful in many real-world applications.

How do you solve for AB and AC?

To solve for AB and AC, we use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. We can rearrange this formula to solve for either AB or AC by taking the square root of the difference between the hypotenuse and the known side squared.

What information do I need to solve for AB and AC?

In order to solve for AB and AC, you will need to know the length of at least one of the sides of the right triangle, as well as the measure of the right angle. This can be given in the problem or measured using a protractor. With this information, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the lengths of the other two sides.

Is there a formula for solving for AB and AC?

Yes, the formula for solving for AB and AC is a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where a and b represent the known sides of the right triangle and c represents the length of the hypotenuse. By rearranging this formula, we can solve for either AB or AC.

Can you provide an example of solving for AB and AC?

Sure, for example, if we have a right triangle with a hypotenuse of 10 cm and one side of 6 cm, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for the other side. Plugging in the known values, we get 6^2 + b^2 = 10^2. Simplifying, we get 36 + b^2 = 100. Subtracting 36 from both sides, we get b^2 = 64. Taking the square root of both sides, we get b = 8 cm. So the missing side, AB, has a length of 8 cm.

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