Chapter

2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

2-3 Resultant of Three or More Concurrent Forces

The determination of the resultant of three or more concurrent forces that

are not collinear requires determining the summation of the forces.

Two (2) ways in adding three of more force vectors;

1. Graphically – Two vectors can be added to give a resultant; this

resultant in turn can be added to a third vector etc., until all the vectors have been
added together to give an overall resultant. These vectors can be added in any
order.

If the parallelogram method of force vector addition is used, forces P and

F maybe combined to give a resultant of R’. This R’ may be combined again by
the parallelogram method to add to vector Q to give the final resultant R.

The same resultant can be more easily obtained by the application of the
triangle law, simply by adding the vectors tip-to-tail. Observe that R’ is the third
side of the triangle formed between vectors P and F. The initial resultant R’ is
again added to vector Q and the final resultant is drawn by connecting the tail of
the first vector to the tip of the last vector. This can also be employed by adding
the vectors in any order.

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

From the given concurrent forces, resultant can be determined by addition

of force vectors tip-to-tail

2. Analytically – The vectors can be resolved into components that

coincide with arbitrarily chosen axes. The components of each vector with respect
to these axes can be added algebraically, and the resulting additions will be the
components of the overall resultant vector.

Denoting such algebraic summations of the components of the forces by

ΣX and ΣY respectively, we have
𝑅𝑥 = 𝛴𝑋
𝑅𝑦 = 𝛴𝑌

By applying the Pythagorean Theorem, we can now determine the

magnitude and inclination of the resultant

𝑅 = √(𝛴𝑋)2 + (𝛴𝑌)2
𝛴𝑌
tan Ɵ𝑥 = 𝛴𝑋

The pointing of R is determined by the signs of its rectangular components

𝛴𝐹𝑥 and 𝛴𝐹𝑦 .

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Illustrative Problem 1) Determine completely the resultant of the concurrent

force system shown in the figure.

Solution:
To completely define the resultant of the concurrent force systems, we
need to determine the magnitude, position of its line of action and its direction.
The equivalent components of the forces need be calculated.
Assuming components of forces to the right and upward as positive while
forces downward and to the left as negative.

𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹 cos Ɵ = 200 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 20𝑂 ) = 187.94 𝑁

𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹 sin Ɵ = 200 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 20𝑂 ) = 68.40 𝑁

𝑃𝑥 = 𝑃 cos Ɵ = 300 (𝑐𝑜𝑠60𝑂 ) = − 150 𝑁

𝑃𝑦 = 𝑃 sin Ɵ = 300 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 60𝑂 ) = 259.81 𝑁
Apply the definition of sine and
cosine functions
𝑆𝑥 = 𝑆 = −400 𝑁
𝑆𝑦 = 0

𝑄𝑥 = 𝑄 cos Ɵ = 100 (𝑐𝑜𝑠40𝑂 ) = 76.60 𝑁

𝑄𝑦 = 𝑄 sin Ɵ = 100 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 40𝑂 ) = −64.28 𝑁

1 1 Get the hypotenuse of the slope and

𝑇𝑥 = 𝑇= (250) = − 111.80 𝑁 apply similar triangles
√5 √5
2 2 √(1)2 + (2)2 = √5
𝑇𝑦 = 𝑇= (250) = − 223.61 𝑁
√5 √5

Compute the value of the 𝑅𝑥 = 𝛴𝐹𝑥 and 𝑅𝑦 = 𝛴𝐹𝑦

𝑅𝑥 = 𝛴𝐹𝑥 (Assuming to the right forces as positive)
𝑅𝑥 = 𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝑥 + 𝑄𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥 − 𝑇𝑥 − 𝑆
𝑅𝑥 = 𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 187.94 + 76.60 − 150 − 111.80 − 400 = −𝟑𝟗𝟕. 𝟐𝟔 𝑵 (to the left)

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

𝑅𝑦 = 𝛴𝐹𝑦 (Assuming upward forces as positive)

𝑅𝑦 = 𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹𝑦 + 𝑃𝑦 − 𝑄𝑦 − 𝑇𝑦
𝑅𝑦 = 𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 68.40 + 259.81 − 64.28 − 223.61 = −𝟒𝟎. 𝟑𝟐 𝑵 (downward)

The magnitude and direction of the resultant force is

𝑅 = √(𝑅𝑥 )2 + (𝑅𝑦 )2 = √(𝛴𝐹𝑥 )2 + (𝛴𝐹𝑦 )2
𝑅 = √(−397.26)2 + (−40.32)2
𝑹 = 𝟒𝟎𝟑. 𝟐𝟗 𝑵 (down to the left)

The position of the line of action of the resultant can be defined by the tangent
function
𝑅𝑦 𝛴𝐹𝑦
tan Ɵ𝑥 = =
𝑅𝑋 𝛴𝐹𝑥
40.32
tan Ɵ𝑥 = 397.26
−1
Ɵ𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (0.1749)
Ɵ𝒙 = 𝟓. 𝟖𝟎𝑶

Hence, the resultant of the given concurrent forces is given below

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Illustrative Problem 2) The resultant of a certain system of forces has the X and
Y components shown. Determine the components of this resultant with respect to
N and T axes rotated 20o clockwise relative to the X and Y axes.

Solution:
Find the magnitude and position of the resultant with the x and y
components shown
𝑅 = √(𝑅𝑥 )2 + (𝑅𝑦 )2 = √(420)2 + (360)2
𝑹 = 𝟓𝟓𝟑. 𝟏𝟕 𝒍𝒃 (𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕)
𝑅𝑦 360
tan Ɵ𝑥 = = 420
𝑅𝑥
Ɵ𝒙 = 𝟒𝟎. 𝟔𝟎𝑶

Hence, the resultant makes the position shown with respect to the x and y-axis

Using rotated axis, the components with respect to the new N and T axis rotated
20O clockwise of the same resultant can now be determined. It is important to
refer the angle with respect to the new axis.

𝑅𝑁 = 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠Ɵ = 533.17(𝑐𝑜𝑠60.6𝑂 )
𝑹𝑵 = 𝟐𝟔𝟏. 𝟕𝟒 𝒍𝒃

𝑅𝑇 = 𝑅 𝑠𝑖𝑛Ɵ = 533.17(𝑠𝑖𝑛60.6𝑂 )
𝑹𝑵 = 𝟒𝟔𝟒. 𝟓𝟏 𝒍𝒃

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Illustrative Problem 3) The block shown in the figure is acted upon by its weight
W = 320 N, a horizontal force Q = 580 lb, and a pressure P exerted by the inclined
plane. The resultant R of these forces is acting up and parallel to the incline
thereby sliding the block up it. Determine P and R. (Hint: Take one axis parallel to
the incline).

Solution:
Draw the free body diagram of the problem. Refer all angles with respect to
the axis required (parallel and perpendicular to the incline)

Resultant given is up and parallel to the incline

Using rotated axis, forces shown can be written as follows

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Get the components of the given forces with respect to N and T axes

𝑄𝑇 = 𝑄 cos Ɵ = 580 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 ) = 502.29 𝑁

𝑄𝑁 = 𝑄 sin Ɵ = 580 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑂 ) = − 290 𝑁

𝑊𝑇 = 𝑊 sin Ɵ = 320 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑂 ) = − 160 𝑁

𝑊𝑁 = 𝑊 cos Ɵ = 320 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 ) = − 277.13 𝑁

𝑃𝑇 = 𝑃 sin Ɵ = 𝑃 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 15𝑂 )

𝑃𝑁 = 𝑃 cos Ɵ = 𝑃 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 15)

Determine the equation 𝑅𝑇 = 𝛴𝐹𝑇 and 𝑅𝑁 = 𝛴𝐹𝑁

𝑅𝑇 = 𝛴𝐹𝑇 (Assuming to the right forces as positive)

𝑅𝑇 = 𝛴𝐹𝑇 = 𝑄𝑇 − 𝑊𝑇 − 𝑃𝑇
𝑅𝑇 = 𝛴𝐹𝑇 = 502.29 − 160 − 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛15𝑂 ----------------------- eq.1

𝑅𝑁 = 𝛴𝐹𝑁 (Assuming upward forces as positive)

𝑅𝑁 = 𝛴𝐹𝑁 = 𝑃𝑁 − 𝑄𝑁 − 𝑊𝑁
𝑅𝑁 = 𝛴𝐹𝑁 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠15𝑂 − 290 − 277.13 ----------------------- eq.2

Note: Since, the resultant R of the forces is acting along the T-axis, hence
𝑹𝑵 = 0 and therefore, 𝑹𝑻 = 𝑹

Equate 𝑅𝑁 = 0 (eq.2) and solve for force P

𝑅𝑁 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠15𝑂 − 290 − 277.13

0 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 15𝑂 − 567.13

567.13
𝑃=
cos 15𝑂

𝑷 = 𝟓𝟖𝟕. 𝟏𝟒 𝑵

To find for the resultant 𝑅, substitute the value of P in eq.1 since 𝑹𝑻 = 𝑹

𝑅𝑇 = 502.29 − 160 − 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛15𝑂

𝑅 = 502.29 − 160 − (587.14) 𝑠𝑖𝑛15𝑂

𝐑 = 𝟏𝟗𝟎. 𝟑𝟑 𝑵 up and parallel to the plane

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Illustrative Problem 4) If R is the resultant of P and Q, find P and Q

Solution: Determine the components of the forces P and Q and that of the
resultant R with respect to x and y-axis

𝑃𝑥 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 ; 𝑃𝑦 = 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑂 ;

𝑄𝑥 = 𝑄𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑂 ; 𝑄𝑦 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 ;

For the resultant, substitute the value of 𝑅 = 360 𝑁 and 𝛳 = 25𝑂

𝑅𝑥 = 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛳; 𝑅𝑦 = 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛳
𝑅𝑥 = 360 𝑐𝑜𝑠 25𝑂 ; 𝑅𝑦 = 360 𝑠𝑖𝑛 25𝑂
𝑅𝑥 = 326.27 𝑁; 𝑅𝑦 = −152.14 𝑁

But 𝑅𝑋 = ∑𝐹𝑋 (assuming to the right forces as positive)

𝑅𝑋 = 𝑃𝑋 − 𝑄𝑋
326.27 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 − 𝑄𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑂 ------------------------- eq.1

𝑅𝑦 = ∑𝐹𝑦 (assuming upward forces as positive)

𝑅𝑦 = 𝑃𝑦 − 𝑄𝑦
− 152.14 = 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛 30𝑂 − 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠30𝑂

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 − 152.14

𝑃= -------------------------------- eq 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑂

Substitute eq.2 in eq.1

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 −152.14

326.27 = ( )𝑐𝑜𝑠 30𝑂 − 𝑄𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑂
𝑠𝑖𝑛30𝑂

Therefore, 𝑸 = 𝟓𝟖𝟗. 𝟕𝟖 𝑵 and 𝑷 = 𝟕𝟏𝟕. 𝟐𝟓 𝑵

Engr. Edna P. Montañez | Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges

Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cyYqzlvSmg&t=36s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY2gyAWsiVI

Do-it-Yourself

Practice Activity

From the figure shown, answer the following:

1. Given that 𝑃 = 150 𝑁 and 𝑄 = 130 𝑁, find the rectangular representation of

𝑃+𝑄
2. Knowing that 𝑃 = 120 𝑁 and that the resultant of 𝑃 and 𝑄, lies in the positive x-
direction, determine 𝑄 and the magnitude of the resultant.

Read the topic “MOMENT OF A FORCE” in preparation for the next module.

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies
WORKSHEET No. 3

Name: _____________________________________ Course/Year: ___________

Instructor: __________________________________ Rating: ________________

Instruction: Answer the following problems:

1. Completely determine the resultant of the given concurrent force system

shown.

2. The resultant of the concurrent forces shown is 800 𝑁 pointing up along the
y axis. Compute the values of 𝐹1 and 𝛳 required to give this resultant.

3. Determine 𝑃 and Ɵ so that the three forces shown are equivalent to the
single force with 𝑅𝑥 = 85 𝑘𝑁 and 𝑅𝑦 = 20 𝑘𝑁

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Chapter
2 Statics of Rigid Bodies

4. Two horses on opposite banks of a canal pull a barge moving parallel to

the banks by means of two horizontal ropes. The tensions in these ropes
are 200 lb and 240 lb while the angle between them is 60O. Find the
resultant pull on the barge and the angle between each of the ropes of the
ropes and the sides of the canal.

Engr. Edna P. Montañez | Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges