Thread: Vector word problem about inclined plane

here is the exact problem. i can't figure out how to begin solving it. i just don't see it


A car is being towed up an inclined plane making an angle of 18 degrees with the horizontal. Find the force F needed to make the component of F parallel to the ground equal to 5250 pounds.

Originally Posted by CoffeeBird

here is the exact problem. i can't figure out how to begin solving it. i just don't see it


A car is being towed up an inclined plane making an angle of 18 degrees with the horizontal. Find the force F needed to make the component of F parallel to the ground equal to 5250 pounds.

Draw a sketch.

If I understand your question correctly the force F denotes the weight of the car(?).

You are dealing with similar right triangles. So you can use proportions and Pythagorean theorem.

that's exactly how it's worded in the book. i'm still lost.

Originally Posted by CoffeeBird

that's exactly how it's worded in the book. i'm still lost.

so am I ... what is the angle of the incline?

Originally Posted by skeeter

so am I ... what is the angle of the incline?

is it the 18 degrees?

Originally Posted by CoffeeBird

is it the 18 degrees?

1. I've marked the 2 similar right triangles.

red = 5250 lbs

2. In the orange triangle you know:



3. In the green triangle you know:



4. Combine both equations to get the weight.