Question

Need a bit of help solving the following equations.

sqrt(5/8-(sqrt(5)/8))LH+cos (43pi/180)RH = 0

and

1/4(1+sqrt(5)LH+sin(43pi/180)RH-2g=0

What is the best way to start when trying to combine these equations?

Thanks

Answer 1

what do the LH and RH mean?

Answer 2

Just my variables, its to find tension in two strings. I made them LH and RH in my drawings.
I could have easily put T1 and T2 come to think of it...

Answer 3

I'll just use x and y, giving

√(5/8-(√5/8))x+cos(43°)y = 0
0.58778x + 0.73135y = 0

1/4(1+√5)x+sin(43°)y-2g=0
0.80902x + 0.68200y = 19.6

Now just solve by your favorite method (I suggest substitution).

Answer 4

Thanks steve, out of interest ive gotten a negative value for one. Since im looking for the tension in L and R strings. That doesnt seem right in which case ive made a mistake in getting to this point.