# Math Help - Physics Forces Question

1. ## Physics Forces Question

"Two children playing on the beach are pulling on inner tube. one exerts a force of 45N[N]. The other exerts a force of 60 N[SW]. Wat is the net force acting on the tube?"

Please explain this to me by showing me the math and the visual diagram(s) please.
Thanks!

2. Originally Posted by s3a
"Two children playing on the beach are pulling on ainner tube. one exerts a force of 45N[N]. The other exerts a force of 60 N[SW]. Wat is the net force acting on the tube?"

Please explain this to me by showing me the math and the visual diagram(s) please.
Thanks!
Draw a free body diagram and split up the forces into their vertical and horizontal components.

The first child exerts a force of $45$ in the positive-Y direction.

For the second child, we can split up his force into negative-X and negative-Y components. Specifically, the X component is: $60 cos(45)$ and the Y component is: $60sin(45)$

Adding up the forces, we get:
$F_X = -60cos(45)$
$F_Y = 45 -60cos(45)$

So your resulting force vector, $\hat{F}$, is written as:
$\hat{F} = ( -60cos(45), 45 -60cos(45))$

3. I haven't learnt vectors in math yet, but I am learning it in physics so you've confused me a lot . Not only do I not know how to determine its direction but I am confused as to what kind of triangle I am supposed to work with. If it's constructed for me, it'll be easy but unfortunately that is not the case so please help me!