Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 2-103 Page 1 of 2

Problem 2-103
Determine the magnitude and coordinate direction angles of the resultant force.

Solution

Write the position vectors to the points A, B, and C.

rA = h0, −2, 4i ft

rB = h1.5, −3, 0i ft

rC = 2 h− sin 20°, cos 20°, 0i ft

The position vector going from A to B is

rAB = rB − rA

= h1.5, −1, −4i ft.

Its magnitude is
p
|rAB | = (1.5)2 + (−1)2 + (−4)2 ft
√
77
= ft.
2
Divide rAB by its magnitude to get a unit vector in the same direction.
rAB h1.5, −1, −4i
ûAB = = √
|rAB | 77
2

The force FAB can now be written.

h1.5, −1, −4i ft
FAB = FAB ûAB = 20 √ lb ≈ h6.84, −4.56, −18.2i lb
77
2

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Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 2-103 Page 2 of 2

On the other hand, the position vector going from A to C is

rAC = rC − rA

= h−2 sin 20°, 2 cos 20° + 2, −4i ft

≈ h−0.684, 3.88, −4i ft.

Its magnitude is
p
|rAC | = (−2 sin 20°)2 + (2 cos 20° + 2)2 + (−4)2 ft

≈ 5.61 ft.

Divide rAC by its magnitude to get a unit vector in the same direction.

rAC h−0.684, 3.88, −4i

ûAC = ≈
|rAC | 5.61

The force FAC can now be written.

h−0.684, 3.88, −4i

FAC = FAC ûAC ≈ 40 lb ≈ h−4.87, 27.6, −28.5i lb
5.61
Add the two forces to get their resultant.

FR = FAB + FAC

≈ h6.84, −4.56, −18.2i lb + h−4.87, 27.6, −28.5i lb

≈ h1.96, 23.1, −46.7i lb

Its magnitude is
p
|FR | ≈ (1.96)2 + (23.1)2 + (−46.7)2 lb

≈ 52.2 lb.

Divide the resultant by its magnitude to get a unit vector in the same direction.

FR h1.96, 23.1, −46.7i

≈
|FR | 52.2

The direction angles for the resultant can now be found.

1.96


 cos α ≈ 
52.2 α ≈ 87.8°



 

 
23.1
 
cos β ≈ → β ≈ 63.7°


 52.2 


  γ ≈ 154°


 cos γ ≈ −
 46.7
52.2

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