Question

Two particles X and Y joined by a rigit rod of negligible mass, move along a smooth horizontal plane. Particle X has mass 7.7kg and is pushed by an external force Fx of magnitude 73.01N. Particle Y has mass 5.68kg and is pulled along the plane by an external force Fy of magnitude 29.68N. It is found that the two particles accelerate along the plane a fixed distance apart.

Calculate the common acceleration of the particles.

Thank you!