To solve this problem, we need the figure to help us
understand. I believe I found the correct figure for this problem (see attached
pic).
We see that the resultant force acts at an angle of 6
degrees from the vertical axis. The resultant force is also equivalent to the
hypotenuse of the triangle. Now to solve this problem, we need the
trigonometric functions specifically the cos and sin functions. We know that:
sin θ = side opposite to the angle / hypotenuse = Fx / F
cos θ = side adjacent to the angle / hypotenuse = Fy / F
Therefore calculating for Fx and Fy:
Fx = F sin θ
Fx = 6250 lb (sin 6)
Fx = 653.3 lb
Fy = F cos θ
Fy = 6250 lb (cos 6)
Fy = 6215.76 lb
