Two blocks with masses m and M are pushed along a horizontal frictionless furface by a horizontal applied force. The magnitude of the force either of these blocks has on the other is:

M being a bigger mass than m of course. I think the answer is:
mF/(M-m) or maybe MF/(M+m) but I'm not really 100% sure how to go about doing it. I know the forces are going to be equal though...

2 answers

The force on the one closest to the force if F, now between them, the second block is experience a force =ma, and it is pushing back with that force. I don't know which one is in front.
what is a? F=(M+m)a or a= F/(m+M)
now as you indicate, put the mass of the one in front on top, and you have it.
Oh, the larger block (mass) is in front. The force is pushing on the large mass and the little mass is in front of the large mass.
Force -> Big Mass -> little mass

Acceleration isn't given, it's just asking the "magnitude of the force of either of these blocks on the other is".
The answers to the question don't include a variable for a; just M, m, and F. I read your explaination but am still a bit confused. I think the answer is MF/(M+m) though.