Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem R3-7 Page 1 of 2

Problem R3-7
Determine the force in each cable needed to support the 500-lb load.

Solution

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

rA = h2, 0, 0i ft

rB = h−2, 0, 0i ft

rC = h0, 6, 0i ft

rD = h0, 12, 8i ft
Draw a free-body diagram for the knot at C.

In order for the system to be in equilibrium, the sum of the forces must be zero.
TCA + TCB + TCD + W = 0

TCA ûCA + TCB ûCB + TCD ûCD + W h0, 0, −1i = 0

rA − rC rB − rC rD − rC
TCA + TCB + TCD + W h0, 0, −1i = 0
|rA − rC | |rB − rC | |rD − rC |

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Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem R3-7 Page 2 of 2

Write out the unit vectors and simplify the left side.

h2 − 0, 0 − 6, 0 − 0i h−2 − 0, 0 − 6, 0 − 0i
TCA p + TCB p
2 2
(2 − 0) + (0 − 6) + (0 − 0)2 (−2 − 0)2 + (0 − 6)2 + (0 − 0)2
h0 − 0, 12 − 6, 8 − 0i
+ TCD p + W h0, 0, −1i = 0
(0 − 0)2 + (12 − 6)2 + (8 − 0)2

     
1 3 1 3 3 4
TCA √ ,− √ , 0 + TCB − √ ,− √ , 0 + TCD 0, , + W h0, 0, −1i = 0
10 10 10 10 5 5
 
1 1 3 3 3 4
√ TCA − √ TCB , − √ TCA − √ TCB + TCD , TCD − W = h0, 0, 0i
10 10 10 10 5 5

Match the components to get a system of equations.


1 1
√ TCA − √ TCB = 0 

10 10 




3 3 3

− √ TCA − √ TCB + TCD = 0
10 10 5 




4 

TCD − W = 0

5
Solve it for TCA , TCB , and TCD and then plug in W = 500 lb.
r
1 5
TCA = W ≈ 198 lb
4 2
r
1 5
TCB = W ≈ 198 lb
4 2
5
TCD = W = 625 lb
4

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