NOTES ON USE OF THE BOOK

1. Notation Used in Diagrams

Force ----~[>

Velocity
Acceleration
Dimensions
• •I
Where components and resultant are shown in one diagram the resultant is
denoted by the larger arrow-head thus: ~ ....._

2. Useful Pure Mathematics

In any triangle ABC

~
8

km ku

sin A = sin B sin C

Sine Ruic a - b- " ' I"

Cosine Rule a 1 = b 2 + c 1 - 2bc cos A

Cotangent Ruic (m + 11) COi () Ill COi C1 - II COi (J

Compound Angle Formulae

sin (A± B) sin A cos B ± cos A sin B
cos (A± B) cos A cos B + sin A sin B

xi

Ur'> r hthch chullt M !er a

Small Angles
sinB _
AsB-O, 1
8
Integrals

f f'(x)
f(x) dx = In kf(x)

j·.../(a 2_
I
b2x2) dx =
I bx
b arcsin-;; + k

3. I mtructions for Answering Multiple Choice Exercises

These exercises arc at the end of most chapters. The questions are set in
groups, each group representing one of the variations that may arise in exam·
ination papers. The answering techniques are different for each type of question
and are classified as follows:

TYPEI
These questions cons.1st of a problem followed by several alternative answers,
only one of which is correct.
Write down the letter corresponding to the correct answer.

TYPEll
In this type of question some information Is given and is followed by a number
of possible responses. One or more of the suggested responses follow(s) directly
from the information given.
Write down the lettcr(s) corresponding to the correct response(s).
e.g.: PQR is a triangle.
(a) f> + Q + R = 1so •
0

(b) PQ +QR is less than PR.

(c) If f> is obtuse, 0 and ft must both be acute.
(d) f> = 90°. 0 = 45°. ft= 45~
The correct responses arc (a) and (c).
(b) is definitely incorrect and (d) may or may not be true of the triangle PQR.
There is not sufficient information given to allot a particular value to each angle.
Responses of this kind, which require more information than is given, should not
be regarded as correct.

TYPE Ill
Each problem contains two independent statements (a) and (b).
I) If (a) implies (b) but (b) doesnot imply (a) write A.
2) If (b) implies (a) but (a) does not imply (b) write B.

xii

Ur'> x r hthch gc chuut M tcr a

3) If (a) implies (b) and (b) implies (a) write C.
4) If (a) denies (b) and (b) denies (a) writeD.
5) If none of the first four relationships apply write£.

TYPE IV
A problem is introduced and followed by a number of pieces of information.
You are not required to solve the problem but to decide whether:
I) the total amount of information given i.s insufficient to solve the problem. If
so write/,
2) the given information is all needed to solve the problem. In this case write A,
3) the problem can be solved without using one or more of the gi\'en pieces of
information. In this case write down the letter(s) corresponding to the items not
needed.

TYPE V
A single statement is made. Write T if the statement is true and F if the state-
ment is false.

xiii

Ur'> r hlhch chu!Lt M !er a

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This book is about Mechanics and the solving of mechanical problems with the
help of Pure Mathematics.
Mechanics, which deals with the effects that forces have on bodies, is a science.
So the laws of Mechanics are scientific laws. They come from observation and
experiments and so can never be considered as universally true. The most that
can be said of several of these laws is that they agree with observed results to
the extent that they are accurate enough for most purposes. Pure Mathematics,
o n the o ther hand, is an art and its theorems are universally true. When Pure
Mathematics is used to solve a Mechanical problem it is important to distinguish
clearly between the use of a scientific law and a mathematical theorem.

CONVENTI ONS

Certain factors which have a negligible effect on a problem are often ignored.
This has the advantage of simplifying the problem without sacrificing much
accuracy, and is !:-est illustrated by an example: consider a heavy bob suspended
from a fixed point by means of a thin wire.
The weight of the wire is negligible compared with the weight of the bob,
and can be ignored. In such a case it would be described as a light wire.
If the dimensions of the bob are small compared with the length of the wire,
the bob can be considered as a point and will be described as a particle.
If the bob is swinging in still air , then air resistance to its motion will be
negligible. In fact air resistance is ignored in all problems unless specific
mention is made of it.

Ur'> r hthch chullt M !er a

2 Applied Mathematics I

If the bob Is in the slupe of a flat disc, where the surface area is large compared
to Its thickness, the thickness is ignored and the bob is described as a circular
lamina.
If lhe bob is a spherical shape and the thickness of the material it Is made
from is small compared to its surface area, this thlckness is again ignored and
the bob is described as a hollow sphere.
If the bob is made to slide across a table, then there will be some frictional
resistance to its motion . Although it is rare to find a frictionless surface the
amount of friction is often small enough to be ignored and such a surface is
described as smooth.

Summary of Conventio ns
Light .. ....... Considered weightless
Particle ... . . .. . Object having no dimensions (considered as a point)
Lamina . ....... Flat object, having dimensions of area only
Hollow .. . .. .. . J.dimensional shell of no thickness
Smooth ....... Frictionless
Air resistance . .. Ignored, unless mention is made of it.

UNITS

Most quantilics used in this book are measured in the S.I. system of units.
The three basic quantities arc mass, length and time. All the other quantities are
derived from these three but their definitions are left until the appropriate
chapters.

Quantity Unit Symbol

mass kilogramme kg
length metre m
time second s
force newton N
work joule J
power watt w
Mechanics deals with the effect of forces acting on bodies, and one effect is that
motion is produced. Before the relationship between force and the resulting
motion is discussed we will consider them separately.

MOTI ON

The following quantities are needed to describe the motion of a body:

Disrance is t he /engrh of a given path.

Ur'> r hlhch chulll M !er

 Introduction 3

The unir of disranct! is the metre (m).

DtJp/acement defines the position of one point relative to another point:
displacement includes both the distance between two points and the direction
of the first point from the second point.
Speed is the rate at which a moving body covers its path, no account being
taken of the direction of motion.
Unit of speed. The unit of distance is the metre and the unit of time is the
second, hence the unit of speed Is the metre per second (ms- 1).
Vtlocity includes both the rate of motion and the direction of motion.
Acceleration. When a velocity changes, it can be that either the speed changes,
or the direction of motion changes, or both change. Acceleration measures
this change either in speed or in direction of motion or both: so acceleration
involves direction as well as a magnitude.
Unir of acceleration. The unit of speed is the metre per second, so the unit
of accclerat.ion is the metre per second per second (ms-2).
Note that distance and speed involve magnitude only, but displacement, velocity
and acceleration involve direction as well as magnitude.

EXAMPLES la
I) A particle moves round a square ABCD in the sense indicated by the letters.
B is due nonh of A and C is due west of B and the side of the square is JO m
If the particle starts from A, what distance has ii travelled when ii is mid·way
between Band C, and what is its displacement then from A?

p
I
c .-~~~t--
, ~~-, e

t
When the particle is al P, the distance travelled = AB+ PB = I 5 m
The distance between P and A =
~ m = S-/5 m
L BAP =
= arc tan '!\ 26°34'
Therefore the displacement of P from A is S.JS min the direction N26° 34'W.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

4 Applied M1thematics I

2) If the particle in example I is covering Its path at the constant rate of 2 ms-•,
what is its speed when travelling along (i) AB, (Ii) BC?
State also its velocity when travelling along (i) AB, (ii) BC.
Speed along AB 2 ms-•
Speed along BC 2 ms-•
Velocity along AB 2 ms-• due north
Velocity along BC 2 ms-• due west
Note that although the speed along AB is equal to the speed along BC, the velocity
along AB is not equal to the velocity along BC.
J) If the particle in example I moves so that when moving from C to D its speed
increases at the rate of 2 ms- 2 , while when moving from D to A its speed decreases
at the rate of 2 ms- 2 , what is its acceleration along CD and along DA?
When the particle is moving along CD (the direction of motion is given by the
order of the letters: i.e. C to D) the speed is increasing at a rate of 2 ms-1 .
Therefore the acceleration= 2 ms- 1 in the direction CD.
When the particle is moving along DA the speed is decreasing at the rate of
2 ms-2 •
Therefore the acceleration = 2 ms-2 but in the direction AD, because the speed
is decreasing.

EXERCISE h
I) A particle moves round the sides of a regular hexagon ABCDEF of side 3 m.
The particle starts from A and moves in the sense ABC. What is the distance
travelled by the particle and its displacement from A when it is:
(a) at C,
(b) at the midpoint of DE?
2) If the particle in question I covers its path at the constant rate of 2 ms-•,
what is Its displacement from A after 12 s'
3) What is the velocity of the particle in question 2 after:
(a) 5 S,
(b) !Os?
4) A particle moves with constant speed on the circumference of a circle. ls the
velocity constant 7
S) A particle moves with a constant speed along the track shown in the diagram.

c A

D
')
c

Ur'> x r hlhch gc chuut M tcr a

 Introduction 5

For which sections of Its journey is the velocity constant?

FORCE

Most people have an intuitive Idea of force: consider a book lying on a

horizontal table. We know that force must be applied to the book to move it
along the table. Force may be applied directly to the book by pushing it or
indirectly by, for example, tying a string to the book and pulling the string.
Obviously the movement of the book is related to the amount of force used.
The direction in which the force is applied will also affect the movement of the
book: with the string horizontal the book will move along the table, with the
string vertical the book will be lifted off the table. The point at which tl:e force
is applied to the book also affects the result: if the string is attached to o ne
edge of the book and pulled vertically the book will till about the opposite edge,
but if the string is attached to the middle of the boo}< and pulled vertically no
tilling will take place.
So three foctors determine the effect that a force has on a body to which it is
applicd:-
1) The amount, or the magnitude, of the applied force. The unit of magnitude
is the newton (N).
2) Tiie direction in which the force is applied.
3) The point of application of the force. An alternative way of expressing the
direction and point of application of a force is to give its /i11e of action and the
sense of the force along that line.
We also know that the book will not move on Its own account. From many such
observations it is deduced that : Force is necessary to make an object begin to
move. Conversely, if an object star1s to move then a force must have caused that
motion .

WEIGHT
If a body is dropped it will start to fall, so we deduce that there must be 3
force acting on that body which attracts it to the ground. This force is called the
gravitational force or the weight of the body; thus the weight of a body is a force
and is measured in force units (newton).
If we hold a heavy object we can still feel this gravitational pull, even though
the object is not moving: so the weight of a body acts on it at all times, regardless
or whether the object is moving or not.

MASS
It is a well known phenomenon that the force with which an object is attracted

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiillt M tcr a

6 Applied Mathematics I

to the surface of the moon is less than the force with which the same object is
attracted to the surface of the earth. It is also found that the weight of an object
varies slightly in different places on the surface of the earth. So, although the
amount of matter which constitutes an object is an absolute property of that
object, its weight is not absolute.
Mass is a measure of the matter contained in an object. The unit of mass is the
kilogramme (kg).

Forces Acting o n Bodies

Consider again a book lying on a horizontal table .

II

The book is not moving, but there is at least one force acting on it • its weight.
If the table was not there the book would fall, so the table must be exerting an
upward force on the book to counteract its weight; this force is called the
reaction. A reaction force acts on a body whenever that body is in contact wilh
another body which is supporting it.
Consider the book being pulled along the table by a horizontal string attached to
the book.

I
'i711

Ur'> x r hlhch gc chuul M tcr a

 Introduction 7

The weight and the reaction will be acting on the book, together with a pull from
the string. The pull that the suing is exerting on the book ls referred to as the
tension in the string. If there is friction between the book and the table there
wlll be some resistance to the movement of the book along the table. This resist·
ance is called the frictional force and it will act on a body whenever there is a
tendency for that body to move over a rough surface.

SUMMARY

The forces which act on a body come mainly from three sources.
1) Gravitational pull (weight).
2) Contact with another body.
3) Attachment to another body.
(There are other sources, such as wind force, engines etc. which we shall meet
later on.)

DI AGRAMS

Before attempting the solution of any problem concerned with the action of
forces on a body, it is important to draw a diagram which shows clearly all the
forces acting on that body.
The points to remember arc:
1) The weight always acts on a body unless it is de~cribed as light.
2) If there is contact with another body there will be reaction and possibly
friction.
3) If there is atlachment to another body (by means of a string, hinge, pivot
etc.) there will be a force acting on the body at the point of auachment.
4) Check that there are no other sources of force.
S) Only the forces which are acting on the body itself are considered . A common
fault is to include forces which are acting on an object wlth which the body is
in contact.
6) Do not make the diagram too small.

EXAMPLES 1b

1) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on a block which Is sliding down a
smooth plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal.

Ur cocrrechthch gc chutzt Iv' Im "

8 Applied Mathematics I

The plane is smooth so there is no friction.

2) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on a block which is being pulled up
a rough plane by a string attached to the block. The plane is inclined at 15° to
the horizontal and the string is inclined at 30° to the horizontal.

As the plane is rough there will be a frictional force acting down the plane
(friction opposes motion).
J) Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on a ladder which is standing with
one end on rough horizontal ground and the other end against a rough, vertical
wall.

Ur'> x r hlhch gc chuul M tcr 1

 Introduction 9

The lower end of the ladder has a tendency to slide away from the wall, so the
frictional force acts towards the wall. The upper end of the ladder has a tendency
to slide down the wall, so the frictional force acts up the waU .
4) A particle Is suspended from a fixed point by a string and it is swinging in a
horizontal circle below that point. Draw a diagram to show the forces which are
acting on the particle.

.. --- -- - - -
~
- - \ - T
~

w
5) A cylindrical tin stands on a smooth table and two smooth spheres rest inside
the tin as shown in the sketch.

Draw diagrams to show (a) the forces acting on the large sphere. (b) the forces
acting on the small sphere, (c) the forces acting on the tin.

Ur cocrrechlhch chulzl M Im "

10 Applied MlttMm1tla I

(c) The forces acting on the tin.

R,

EXERCISE tb
I) Draw diagrams to show the forces which are acting on a block which is:
(a) at resl on a smooth horirontal surface,
(b) at rest on a rough horizontal surface,
(c) at rest on a rough surface Inclined at an angle 20° to horizontal,
(d) sliding down a smooth surface inclined at an angle 30° to horizontal,
(e) sliding down a rough surface inclined at an angle 30• to horizontal,
(f) pulled down a smooth surface i.n clined at an angle 10° to horizontal by a
string paraUel to the plane,

Ur'> x r hlhch gc chuul M tcr a

 Introduction 11

(g) pulled down a rough surface inclined at an angle 20° to horizontal by a string
parallel to the plane,
(h) pulled along a smooth horizontal surface by a string at an angle 20° to horizontal,
(i) pulled up a rough surface incli ned at an angle of 20° to horizontal by a string
inclined at an angle of 40° 10 horizontal.
2) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on a ladder which Is leaning with
one end against a smooth vertical wall and the other end standing on rough
horizontal ground.

3) Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on a particle which is suspended

from a fixed point by a string when:
(a) it is hanging al rest,
(b) it is turning in a vertical circle about the fixed point,
(c) it is turning in a horizontal circle below the fixed point.
(d) the string has broken and it is falling.
4) A ball is thrown in the air. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on it at
any point in its flight.
5) A ladder rests in a vertical plane with one end against a rough vertical wall.
and the other end on rough horizontal ground. There is a block tied 10 the ladder
by a string one-third of the way up the ladder. Draw diagrams 10 show :
(a) the forces acting on the ladder.
(b) the forces acting on the block.
(6) A plank is supported in a horizontal position by two vertical strings, one
attached at each end. A block rests on the plank a quarter of the way in from
one end . Draw diagrams to show:
(a) the forces acting on the plank,
(b) the forces acting o n the block.
7) Two bricks, one on top of the other , rest on a horizontal surface. Draw
diagrams 10 show:
(a) the forces acting on the bottom brick,
(b) the forces acting on the top brick .
8)

~'
The diagram shows a rough plank
resting on a cylinder with one end of
the plank on rough ground.

Draw diagrams to show:

(a) the forces acting on the plank.
(b) the forces acting on the cylinder.

Ur'> x r hlhch gc chuut M tcr a

 CHAPTER 2

VECTORS. COMPONENTS
AND RESULTANTS
DEFI NITIONS

Certain quantities are described completely when their magnitude is stated in

appropriate units:
e.g. A speed of 50 kmh- 1
A mass of 10 kg
A temperature of 30° C
A time of 3 seconds.
Such quantities arc called scalar quantities.
Other quantities possess both magnitude and direction and arc not completely
defined u nless both of these are specified :
e.g. A velocity of 5 ms-• vertically upward
A force of JON vertically downward
A displacement of 8 km due East.
The name for this type of quantity is vector.

Vector Repr- ntation

Because a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction it can be
represented by a segment of a line. The le1w1t of the line represents the magnitude
of the vector quantity and the direction o f the line shows whlch way the quantity

12

Ur cocrrechlhch gc chulzl M Im "

 Vectors. Componenu i nd Resultants 13

goes. Thus the line AB can be used to

represent a displacement vector of 3 m
North East.

To indicate that a line segment represents a vector, any of the vector symbols
AB, AB, r may be used. In the first two cases the sense of the vector is given by
the order of the letters but, as the single symbol r does not include any indication
of sense, it must be accompanied by an arrow on the diagram.

EQUAL VECTORS

Two vectors of equal magnitude and with the same direction are said to be
equal.

Ur cocrrechlhch chiilzl M Im "

14 Applied Ma1hematics I

In the diagram the lines AB and PQ arc parallel and equal in length hence
AB=PQ.
Although l.M is equal in length to AB these lines are not parallel so AB¢ LM.
It u, however, correct to write AB = U.I since AB and lM arc scalar symbols
referring only to the magnitude of the lines and not to their direction.

PARALLEL VECTORS

Consider two parallel vectors which are in the same sense but have different
magnitudes

, ,C,•
,,
,,
,,
9,'

A
/
PQ is parallel to AB and the length (magnitude) of PQ is k times the length of
AB.
If we produce AB to C so that AC = PQ then AC= kAB.
But AC and PQ are identical in magnitude, direction and sense and therefore
represent equal vectors.
Therefore AC = PQ
and kAB = i>Q.
In general the equation a= kb means that a and b are parallel vectors, the
magnitude of a being k times the magnitude of b.

EQUAL AND OPPOSITE VECTORS

Two parallel vectors of equal.magnitude but opposite sense are said to be

equal and opposite.
Considering a displacement vector AB and the equal and opposite vector BA
ii is clear that these two together result in zero displacement.
i.e. Aii + 8A = o
or Ai= -Bi\.
A negative sign in vector work therefore indicates a reversal of sense.
Jn general if a = - b then a and b arc parallel vectors of equal magnitude but
opposite sense.

Ur'> r hthch chullt M !er a

 Vtcton. Components and Resultants 15

FREE VECTORS

The representation of a vector by a line segment includes magnitude, direction

and seme, but not, in general, the actual location of the vector (its line of action)
i.e. if a line AB represents a vector, then any line parallel and equal to AB
represents the same vector.
Vectors represented in this way are free vectors.
In some circum1tances it will be necessary to extend the linear representation of
a vector to include its position. In this case we shall be dealing with a tied
uctor. e.g. a force acting along a particular line is a tied vector.

EQUIVALENT VECTORS

Consider a diJplacement AB
of 2 m due E followed by a displacement BC
of
2mdueN.
The co~bined effect of these two displacements is the same as a single displace·
ment AC of2../2 m NE. Hence .

In this vector equation

+ means "to1etMT with"
~ means "ii equivalent to".

A B
We say that AC is the multant of AB and BC, or that AB and BC are the
components of AC.The triangle ABC is a vector triangle.
It is possible to find the resultant (or equivalent) vector of more than two
components using a similar argument.

Displacements of AB, BC, CD

and DE are equivalent to the
single displacement AE
i.e. A'E !!Ai+ iiC +co+ 5£."

In this case the figure ABCDE is a vector polygon.

Ur cocrrechlhch gc chulzl Iv' Im "

16 Applied Mathematics I

N.B. A is the starling poinl and E lhc end point both for the set of components
and for the resultant.
In most of the illustrations so far, displacement vectors have been used because
they are easy to visualise. Other vector quantities can, however, be dealt with in
the same way. In fact it was from the results of experiments with force vectors
that the concept of vector geometry and algebra first arose. Again it will be
noticed that the vectors considered so far have always been in the same plane
{coplanar vectors). The principles explained do, however, apply equally well to
vectors in three dimensions. The detailed study of vector analysis is dealt with
in Volume Two. At this stage it is sufficient to understand how to add and
subtract coplanar vectors using the concept of equivalent vectors.

EXAMPLES2a
I) What is the resultant of displacements 2 m E, 3 m N and 6 m vn

I Aii+sc +ffi=XD
I In t> AED
.1
I AD 2 = AE2 + E D2
I Therefore AD 5
I
I tan 0 ~
EL - - - - - 4 - -- ---,•A- - - - - -·s

Therefore the resultant, AD, is 5 min the direction N arctan ~ W.

2) A vector a of magnitude 8 units has two components. One is perpendicular
to a and is of magnitude 6 units. What is the magnitude of the other component?

Let the given vector be

represented by AB and
the given component by
AC. Th~cond component
is then CB and
-
AB = -+ AC + -+CB.
In t>ABC BC 2 = AB2 + AC 2
2
Therefore BC 64 + 36
Therefore BC 10.
8
The magnitude of the l)ther component is 10 units.

Ur'> r hthch chu!Lt M !er a

 Vectors. Components and Resultanu 17

3) In a quadrilateral ABCD, the sides -AB: -BC and -+

DC represent vectors p. q
!!!it r respectively . Express in tem1s of p, q and r the vectors represented by
AC, AD and DB. c

A------------------~~O
In AABC AC = AB + BC
Therefo re AC = p+q
--+ -+ - --+
Jn quadrilateral ABCD AD = AB + BC + CD
Therefore AD = p + q - r
Int.BCD Dii = oc+cs
Therefore 58 = r + <-q)
08 = r - q
4) ABCDEF is a regular hexagon in which AB represents a vector p and BC
represents a vector q.
Express in terms of p and q the vectors which the remaining sides represent.

ED is e~ual and parallel to AB therefore ED = p

FE is equal and parallel to BC therefore FE = q
AD is twice as long as and parallel to BC therefore AD = 2q
_....... __.. _.._... _.....,
CD = CB + BA+ AD
Therefore CD = - q - p + 2q = q - p CD = q - p
AF is equal and parallel to CD the refore AF = q - p

Ur cocrrechlhch chulzl M Im "

18 Applied Mathematics I

5) In a pentagon ABCDE: _ - --. _ _

(a) find the resultant of(i) AB, BC~ CD (ii) BC and AB (iii) AB - AE,
(b) find two sets of components of AD.

(a) (i) In ABCD A8+8C+Ci5 = AB

(ii) In ABC 8C+A8 = A8+8C

(iii) In ABE
~ -
= i\C
AB - AE = _., -..
AB + EA
= Ei\+:AB
= E8

- --
__.,. - __.. --+
(b) ln ABCD AD = AB+BC + CD
and in ADE AD=AE+ED
These are both suitable sets of components for AD.
(We could equally well have chosen the set AB + BO or AC+ CO).

EXERCISE 2t
I) What is the resultant of the following vectors:· 5 m N, 3 m E and 2 m S?
2) ~ qu~rilate!!l AB_fP wha~ the_!!sul~t of: _ _
(i) AB+ BC (ii) BC+ CD (iii) AB + BC+ CD (iv) AB+ DA?
3) ABCDEF is a regular hexagon in which BC represents a vector b and FC
represents a vector 2a. Express in terms of a and b the vectors represented by
AB. CD and BE.
4) Q!1w c!!.!$ra'!!!..illustr!!!n& t ~ollow!!!a vector equ.!!!ons:
(i) AB - CB = AC (ii) AB= 2PQ (iii) AB +BC = 3AD (iv) a + b = - c.
5) If AB = OC and BC + DA= 0, prove that ABCD is a parallelogram.

Ur'> r hlhch chulll M !er a

 Vectors. Components 8lld Rnultents 19

6) ABCD is a rectangle. Which of the following statements are true?

.-.. __.,. ---+ - _.. ._.. ._... --+
(i) BC= DA (iil!D =AC (iii~B +CD = 0 (iv) AB+ BC= CA
(v)AC CO=
+ AD (vi) BC AB+ =AD +OC.
7) In an isosceles triangle ABC in which AB =BC and D is the mid-point of AC,
show that BA + BC = 2BD.

RESOLVING A VECTOR

When a vector is replaced by an equivalent set of components, it has been

resol1'11d. One of the most useful ways in which to resolve a vector is to choose
only two components which are at right angles to each other. The magnitude of
these components can be evaluated very easily using trigonometry

(ii)
Cil

Thus in Fig. (i) AC = AB cos 8 CB= ABsinO

~nd in Fig. (ii) QR= PQ cos a RP=PQsina

The use of such components is referred to as resolving in a pair c1/ perpendicular

directions.

EXAMPLES 2b
I} Resolve a weight of 10 Nin two directions which are parallel and perpendicular
to a slope of inclination 30° to the horizontal.

The component parallel t o the slope

is of magnitude 10 sin 30° N = 5 N.
The component perpendicular to the
slope is of magnitude I 0 cos 30° N
= 5\/'3N.

2) Resolve horizontally and vertically a force of 8 N which malces an angle of 45°

with the horizontal.

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20 Applied Mathematica I

If X and Y are the magnitudes, in newtons,

of the two components then
X = (8 cos 4Sj =- 4../2
Y = (8 sin 4Sj = 4../2

x
3) A body is supported on a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal by a
string attached to the body and held at an angle of 30° to the plane . Draw a
diagram showing the forces acting on the body and resolve each of these forces:
(a) horizontally and vertically,
(b) parallel and perpendicular to the plane.

The forces a.re:

Tension In string T
Reaction with plane R
Weight of body W
Friction F

(a) Resolving horizontally and vertically

(b) Resolving parallel and perpendicular to the plane

··"".'?1.
µ 30•
ll' <os ~ I

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

 Vectors. Components and Resultants 21

(Note that any force already in one of the directions specified is unchanged and
has no component perpendicular to itself).

Sense of Resolved Parts

In the answer to Question (3) above it is worth noticing that, without
diagrams, the sense of each component would be unknown. This is because the
specification of the required components was not precise enough. The description
parallel to the plane does not differentiate between the uphill sense and the
downhill sense. This ambiguity is avoided if the positive sense of the required
components is stated at the outset. A component in.the opposite sense is then
negative. Using Question 3 to demonstrate this approach, the answer could be
given as follows:
(a) Resolving horizontally and vertically in the senSP.s Ox and Oy as shown, the
components are:
)"

Force Component 1 1 Ox Componcnt/ 1 Oy

F -Foos 30° -Fsin 30°
R -R cos 00° R sin 00°
T T cos 00° Tsin 00°
w 0 -w
o·- ------•
(b) Resolving parallel and perpendicular 10 1he plane in !he sense Ox' and Oy'
as shown:

Force Component 1 10x' Componen1 1 10y'

x' F -F 0
R 0 R
T Tcos 30° Tsin 30°
w -Wsin 30° -Wcos 30°
0

CARTESIAN VECTOR NOTATION

Components in perpendicular directions can be expressed more simply if we

use the symbol~ i and j where
i is a vector of magnilude one unit in the direclion Ox
and j is a veclor of magnitude one unit in the direction Oy.

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22 Applied Mfthemetia I

or
L
() 0

Thus 3i means a vector of magnitude 3 units in the direction Ox

and 4j means a vector of magnitude 4 units In the direction Oy.
.I'

If a force vector F has components

parallel to Ox and Oy of magnitudes
3 and 4 units respectively then using
the symbols i and j we can say more
simply that F has components 31 and
0
,I'
LJ J

'"'i l
4j. As F is equivalent to the vector
sum of its components, F = 31 + 4j.

31
0
"
Conversely if a force F is such that
=
F 2i - Sj, this means that F has )'

components of magnitude 2 unlts In

the direction Ox and S unlta in the
direct ion -Oy. The dilgl'81ll shows
how F can be represented.

0 .Y
EXAMPLE
Forces F., F2 , F3 and F4 have magnitudes 6, 2, 3 and '}../2 N respectively and
act In direction as shown In the diagram below. By finding the components of
each force in the directions Ox and Oy, express each force In the form al+ bj.

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 Vecton. Componenu and Rmlltanu 23

;£1.. A_
.! F, =(6 cos 60°)i + (6 sin 60°)j
=Ji+ 3y3j
F2 = 2j
F 3 =-Ji
0 0

T F,EI
F 4 = (-3v'2cos4S ) i +(-3v'2sin4S )j
= - Ji- 3j

EXERCISE 2b
I) Calculate the magnitude of the horizontal and vertical components of:
(a) A force of 6 N inclined at 20° to the horizontal.
(b) A velocity of 20 ms- • inclined at 30° to the vertical.
(c) A tension of 8 Nin a string of length 10 m which has one end fastened to the
top of a flagpole of height 6 m and the other end fixed to the ground.
2) What are the components parallel ind perpendicular to an incline of 30° of a
weight o f 4N?
3) An object of weight Wis fastened to one end of a string whose other end is
fixed and is pulled sideways by a horizontal force P until the string is inclined
at 20° to the vertical. Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the object
and resolve each force parallel and perpendicular 10 the string.
4) Figure I shows the forces acting on a body. Express each force in terms of
components parallel to AP (i) and AQ 0).

Figure 1.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

24 Applied Mathematics I

5) Using axes Ox and Oy, mark on a diagram the following force vectors.
F1 =i+j; F 2 =2i - j ; F 3 =-3i+4j; F 4 =- i - 3j.
6) A boat is st eering due North at 24 kmh- in a current running at 6 kmh- 1 due
1

West. A wind is blowing the boat North East at 10 kmh- 1 (Figure 2). What are
the components of each velocity in the directions East and North?

kmh · I

Figure 2

DETERMINATION OF RESULTANT VECTORS

A single vector R equivalent to a set of vectors is the resultant of those

vectors (which are, themselves, the components of R). The method of evaluating
R depends upon the number and type of vectors in the given set .
CASE I The resultant of~ perpendicular vectors of magnitudes X and Y

L:J· x
Vector triangle

~:~;!~:~~:f :s:;~:d~ ~magnitude ./x

If R is the magnitude of the resultant
then R 2 = X 2 + Y 2
and tan a =

2
.!:'.
x
+ Y2 and makes arctan; with the

CASE 2 The resultant of two vectors of magnitudes P and Q inclined at an angle 0

At this point it becomes important to understand what is meant by the angle
between two vectors. Suppose that, from a point 0 , two line segments are drawn
representing the vectors P and Q. Then if both vectors point away from 0 as in
Fig. (i), or both vectors point towards 0 as in Fig. (ii), the angle between the lines
at 0 is 0. But if one vector points towards 0 and the other points away from 0
as in Fig. (iii) then the angle between the lines at O is ( 180° - 0).

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 Vectors. Components 8nd Resultants 25

0 .... -
Q
(ii) (iii}
We are now ready to calculate the resultant of two such vectors.
,I

ti)

Vector triengl1
The resultant is represented by the third side of a triangle formed by drawing a
line representing the vector of magnitude P followed by a line representing t he
vector of magnitude Q (note that 8 is an ex1erior angle of this triangle). Then
the magnitude R of the resultant can be found using the cosine formula
R2 = J>2+Q2 - 2PQcos(l80°-8}
or R 2 = pl+ Q2 + 2PQ cos8.
The direction of the resultant can next be determined using the sine rule
sin a sin {180° - 8)
p R
. Psin8
or sma = - -
R

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26 Applied Mathem.tics I

These formulae for calculating the values of R and a are valid whether 8 Is acute
{fig. (I)} or obtuse {fig. (ii)}.

EXAMPLES2c
I} Find the resultant of two vectors of magnitudes 8 units and 10 units if the
angle between them is(a) 60° (b)90° (c) 120°.

10
Vector tri...,gle

By Coslne Rule R 2
= 1<>2 + 82 -2 x 10 x 8 cos 120°
164-160(-i)
= 244
Therefore R 15.6
sin 8 sin 120°
By Sine Rule
8 R
Therefore sin 0 = 8 x 0.866 = 0. 444
15.6
Therefore 8 = 26° 22'
The resultant is of magnitude 15.6 units at an angle 26° 22' with the 10 unit
vector.
(b)

IO
Vector triangle

2 2 2
Using Pythagoras' Theorem R =8 + 10 = 164
Therefore R = 12.8
8
and tan 8
JO
Therefore e = 38° 39'.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

 Vectors. Components •nd Resulmu '1:1

The 1esultant is of magnitude 12.8 units at an angle 38° 39' with the 10 unit
vecto1.
(c)

Ill Ill

By Cosine Rule R1 10 1 +8 1 - 2.8 .10cos 60°

"'
84 =
The1eforc R = 9.17

sin IJ sin 60°

By Sine Rule
8 R
8 x 0.866
Therefore sin II = - - - = 0.756
9.17
Therefore II = 49° 6'.
The resultant is of magnitude 9.17 units at an angle 49° 6' with the 10 unit vector.
2) When two vectors of magnit udes P and Q arc inclined at an angle II the magni·
tude of their resultant is 2P. When the inclination is changed to (180° - II) the
magnitude of the resultant is halved. Find the rat io of P:Q.

l• I
Vector triangles

(b)
~-- -····
Q
II W-11

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28 Appli9d Mathtmlltics I

In(a) (2P)2 = P2 + Q 1 + 2PQ cos 8

ln (b) (P)2 = P2 + Q 2 - 2.PQ cos 0
Therefore 2PQ cos 9 = 31'2- Q2
and 2/'Q cos9 = Q2
Therefore Q2 = 3f'2-Q2
2Q1 = 31'2
Therefore P:Q = .,/2 :.,/3.

3) Find the magnitude and inclination 10 Ox of a force vector F if

(a) F =Ji+ 4j (b) F = -i + j
(al

J1., Since F has components of 3 and 4

units in perpendicular directions the
magnitude of F (which is indicated by

LJ
o.._~~~~~~~-+

lb)
IFO is given by

tan 9 4/3=
!Fl= y(32 + 42) = 5
The Inclination of F 10 Ox is 0 where

' ,,~
-11
.. The magnitude of Fis given by
IFl=y(l 2 + l 2)=v2
The inclination of F to Ox is 8 where
0 180° - arclan (I / I)
oL-~~~~~~~~+ i.e. 0 = 180° -45° = 135°
EXERCISE 2c
I) Find the resultant of forces of magnitudes 3 N and 4 N if they are at right
angles.
2) Two forces of magnitudes 10 N and 6 N are inclined at 60°. What is the magni·
tude and direction of their resultant?
3) A force vector F = pi + 12j has a magnitude of 13 units. Find the two possible
values of p and the corresponding inclinations of F to Ox.
4) An aircraft is flying with an engine speed of 400 kmh " 1 on a course due North
in a wind of speed 60 kmh" 1 from the South West. At what speed is the aircraft
covering the ground'
5) Two vectors have magnitudes of 4 units and 6 units. Find the angle between

Ur cocrrechlhch chulzl M Im "

 V&ctors. Components 1nd Resultants 29

them if their rerultant Is of magnitude (a) 8 units (b) 4 units.

6) A force of 8 N together with a force P have a resultant of magnitude 17 N. Find
the value of P if the angle between the two forces is (a) 90° (b) 60°.

7) Two forces of magnitudes P and 2P 3re inclined at an angle O. Find if thee

resultant is of magnitude (a) 2P (b) JP (c) P. (It should not be necessazy to
use the cosine rule in all three cases).

CASE 3 The resultant of more than two vectors.

Consider a set of four vectors whose magnitudes and directions arc shown in
dlagram (I). TI1e resultant can be found by drawing consecutive lines representing
the given vectors in magnitude and direction; the line whlch completes the polygon
represents the resultant (diagram (ii)).

( llJ

Vector polygon

Careful drawing to scale and measurement give valu~ for the magnitude R and
the direction 0 of the resultant . The values obtained in this way however are
only as accurate as the drawing; more precise values will be given by calculation
as follows:

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30 Applied Mathematici I

Suppose that the components of R in the directions Ox and Oy are X and Y.

The value of Xis the sum of the components of the original vectors in the
direction Ox and the value of Y is their sum in the direction Oy.

i.e. X = - 2 cos 30° + 4 cos 60° + 3 = 3.27

Y = 2 sin 30° + 4 sin 60° - I = 3.46
Now the resultant of X and Y (two perpendicular components) can be found
using

R = Jx 2 + Y 1 = J22.66 = 4.76
3.46
andtan 8 = .!'. = t.06
x 3.27
Therefore the resultant of the given vecto rs is a vector of magnitude 4 .76 units
inclined at 46° 401 to Ox .
X and Y are very easily found if the forces are expressed in the form
F =pi + qj since p and q represent the components of F in the directions Ox
and Oy.
Suppose, for instance, that forces F., Fl> F3 and F4 act on a particle Pas shown
in the diagram .and
>' F1 = 2i + j
F2= i - Jj
F 3 = - 3i + 4j
F4 = 4i + j

F,

Their resultant can be expressed in

l'L
the form Xi + Yj where
X=(2+ 1-3+4)
and Y =(I - 3 + 4 + I)
The resultant force can hence be
represented by 4i + 3j
.\°
()

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 Vectors. Components and Resultants 31

EXAMPLES2d

I) Find the resultant of forces of magnitudes 5, 4, 3, 2 and I newton, the angle

between consecutive pairs being 30°.

...

Let the resultant have components X and Y newtons parallel to Ox and Oy as

shown. Resolving all forces along Ox and Oy we have:
-+ X = 5 + 4 cos 30° + 3 cos 60° - I cos 60° = 9.46
t Y = 4 sin 30° + 3 sin 60° + 2 + I sin 60° = 7.46
Then R = Jx 2
+ Y2 = J(9.46) 2 + (7.46)2 = v'i45.2
R = 12.1
y 7 .46
and tan8 = - = - = 0.789
x9.46
Therefore the resultant is a force of 12. I N making an angle of 38° 16' with the
SN force.
2) A river is flowing due East at a speed of 3 ms- 1• A boy in a rowing boat who
can row at S ms-• in still water starts from a point 0 on the South bank and
steers the boat at right angles to the bank. The boat is also being blown by the
wind at 4 ms- 1 South West. Taking axes Ox and Oy in the directions East and
North respectively find the velocity of the boat in the form pi + qj and hence
find its resultant speed.

w E

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32 Applied Mathematics I

The velocity of the river can be written as Ji

The velocity due to rowing can be written as Sj
The velocity of the wind can be written as - 4 cos 45° i - 4 cos 45° j
i.e. - 2.../2i - 2.../2j
The resultant velocity vis then given by

i.e. v
=Ji+ Sj + (- 2.../2i- 2.../2j)
=(3 - 2.../2) i + (5 - 2.../2)j .~:}->J> ; (3 - 2J2) i

The resultant speed is the magnitude of the resultant velocity (i.e. I v~ where
Iv 1 = J(J - 2.../2), + (5 - 2.../2), = J50 - J2.../2
3) Three tugs are pulling a liner due North into a harbour. The ropes allaching
the liner to the tugs are in the directions NE, N 10° E and N 30° W. lfthe tensions
in the first two ropes are 2 x 105 N and 10 6 N, find the tension in the third rope
and the resultant pull o n the liner.

w----e R

[Since the liner is being moved due North, the resultant pull R newton is in that
direction (there is no overall component in the East-West direction)). Let the
tension in the third rope be F newton.
Resolving all forces in the directions East and North
... 0 =2 x 10 5 sin 45° + 106 sin 10° - Fsin 30° (I)
5
l R = 2 x 10 cos 45° + 106 cos 10° + Fcos 30° (2)
From (I) 4F = 105 (2 sin 45° + 10 sin 10°)
F = 2x 105 (1.414 + 1.736)
F = 10' x 6.3

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 Vectors. Components and Rtt1.1ltents 33

From (2) R = 105 (2 cos 45° + 10 cos 10° + 6 .3 cos 30°)

105 {1.414 + 9.848 + 5.456)
R = 105 x 16.718.
Therefore the tension in the third rope is 6.3 x 105 N and the resultant pull on the
liner is 1.67 x 106 N.

4) A passenger walks directly across the deck of a ship from starboard to port at
a speed of 6 kmh- 1• The ship which is travelling through the water at 20 kmh- 1
is steering due North in a current running South East at 4 kmh- 1• In what direction
is the passenger actually moving?

20kmh·I
N

w- - - -E

6kmh · ' u

s
4 kmh · I

Let the velocity of the passenger have components u and vkmh- 1 in the
directions East and North .
Resolving all velocities East and North we have:
~u = 4cos45° -6 = -3.17
t v = 20 - 4sin45° = 17.17
A velocity of-3.17 k'm h- 1 Eastward is really a velocity of+ 3.17 kmh- 1
Westward.
Pamnger's velocity therefore has components as shown and:·

3 17
tan 8 "" · = 0.184
17.17
8 10° 26'

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34 Applied Mathematics I

Therefore the passenger moves in a direction N 10° 26' W.

5) ABffiE.f..is ~gular hexagon. Forces of magnitudes 3F, 4F, 2F, 6F act
along AB, AC, EA, AF, respectively. Find t he magnitude and direction of their
resuhant. (N.8. Only the direction of the forces is denoted by AB etc. The
magnitudes are given separately and are 11ot represented by the lengths of the
lines AB. etc.)

y
F F c

Let the resultant have components X and Y parallel to AB and AE as shown.

Resolving all forces along AB and AE we have:
X = 3F + 4F cos 30° - 6F cos 60° = 2../3F
Y = 4F sin 30° - 2F + 6F sin 60° = 'J\/3F
Then R = Jx 1
+Y 1
= F..j3~
R = F../39
y '3\/3
and tan 8 - - = - = I5
x 2../3 .
Therefore the resultant is a force of magnitude F../39 making an angle arctan
l.S with AB.

EXERCISE 2d
I) Find the result.a nt of forces of magnitudes 4, 3 and 6 newton acting in the
directions AB, BC and CA respectively, where ABC is an equilateral triangle.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

 Vectors. Components end Resultants 35

2) Starting from 0 , a point P traces out copsecutive displacement vectors of

2i + Jj; - i + 4j; 71- 5j and l + 3j. What is the displacement of P from O?
J) Three boys are pulling a heavy trolley by means of three ropes. The boy in
the middle is exerting a pull of 100 N. The other two boys, whose ropes both
make an angle of 30° with the centre rope, are pulling with forces of 80 N and
140 N. What is the resultant pull on the trolley and in what direction will it
move?
4) A surveyor stans from a point 0 and walks 200m due North. He then turns
clockwise through 120° and walks I 00 m after which he walks 300 m due West.
What is his resultant displacement from O?
5) An object A is subjected to forces of 5 N, 2 N and 3 N inclined at 30°, 90° and
150° respectively to the line AB. Taking AB as the x-axis, express their resultant
in the form ai + bj.
6) A small boat is travelling through the water with an engine speed of 8 kmh ·•.
It is being steered due East but there is a current running South at 2 kmh- 1 and
wind is blowing the boat South West at 4 kmh- 1• Find the resultant velocity of
the boat.
7) Rain, which is falling vertically. makes streaks on the vertical sides of a van
t ravelling at 80 kmh- 1• If the streaks are at 30° to the vertical, calculate the speed
of the raindrops.
8) Forces of magnitudes 2P, JP, 4P, SP, act along AB, AC, AD,AE,
respectively.
Find the magnitude and di.rection of their resultant if:
(a) ABCDEF is a regular hexagon,
(b) ABCDE is made up of a square ABCE together with an equilateral triangle
COE {Dis outside the square).

Turning Effect of Forces

{a) Consider two equal and opposite forces each of magnitude F acting at the
centre of a rod AB.

A~~~~~-~
.....~~~~-Hiff We know from experience that the rod
will not be moved and this is consistent
Resolving II to AB with the results of resolving the forces
parallel and perpendicular to the rod;
X = O viz. the resultant force is zero.
Resolving lr to AB
Y =F-F= O
Jx2 + y2 = o

Ur'> Llc r"Chthch chiitLt M !er a

36 Applied Mathematics I

(b) Now conslder the same two forces acting one at A and one at B.

t This time we notice that the rod will

rotate, although the method of
r resolving the forces again indicates
Resolving //1 to AB that the resultant force is zero. Oearly
then the turning effect (if any) of a set
X=O of forces cannot be found by the meth-
Resolving !r to AB od of reiolving in two perpendicular
directions.
Y=O
Jx2 + y1 = o
The detailed study of turning effect is dealt with in Chapter 14. At this stage It
is sufficient to appreciate that in some cases a set of forces may exert not only a
linear effect but also a turning effect on the body to which the forces are applied.
Concu"ent forces however have no turning effect (see (a) above}.

SUMMARY
I) Two parallel vectors of equal magnitude are:
(a) eQual if they have the same sense,
(b) equal and opposite if they have opposite senses.
2) When Jines representing vectors in magnitude and direction are drawn con-
secutively the line which completes the polygon represents the resultant vector.
3) The resultant of two vectors P and Q inclined at an angle fJ bas magnitude
R given by R 1 =P2 + Q2 + 2PQ cos 8.
4) The resultant of more than two coplanar vectors is calculated by re$0lving in
two perpendicular directions.
5) In general a set of forces may exert a turning effect on a body but If all the
forces pass through the same point there can be no turning effect.

MULTIPLE CHOICE EXERCISE 2

The instructions for answering these questions are given on page (xii)
TYPE I

I) The resultant of displacements 2 m South, 4m West, 5 m North is of magnitude:

(a)3m (b)7m (c)Sm (d)$sm (e) l lm.
2) 14BC.Q.,.is a qua~ateral ~ose sides ~esent vectors, AB is e~alent to:
(a)CA+CB (b)CD (c) AD+OC+CB (d)AD+BD (e) AC -ai.
3) The horizontal component of a forc.e of 10 N inclined at 30° to the vertical is:
< t 10 10
(a)SN (b).>V3N (c)3N (d)JN (e)v' N
3

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 Vecton. Components and Rflult1nts 37

4) Two vectors inclined at an angle 8 have magnitudes 3 N and 5 N and their

resultant is of magnitude 4 N. The angle 0 is:
4 3 -3
(a) 90° {b) arccos S (c) arccos S (d) arccos S (e) 60°
5) Two forces F1 and F2 have a resultant F3 • If F1 = 21 - 3j and F3 = 51 + 4j
then F1 is:
(a)7i+j (b)-3i-7j (c)3i+7j (d)7i+7j

TYPEll
6) AB and PQ are two vectors such that AB= 2PQ.
(a) AB is parallel to PQ.
{b) PQ is twice as long as AB.
(c) A, B, P and Q must be collinear.
7) The vector equation AC= AB+ BC applies to:
B

8) ABCD is a parall~ram.
(a) AB= CO {b) AD=BC (c) AB+ BC =CO+ DA
{d) BC+ co= 8A +'AD.
9) A force F = Ji + 4j.
(a) The magnitude of the force is 5 units.
{b)The component of magnitude 3 units must be horizontal.
(c) Th.e direction of the force is at arctan 1 to the x axis.

TYPE Ill
JO) (a) A force F = 2i + 3j.
(b) A force has perpendicular components of magnitudes 2 and 3 units.
11) AB and PQ are two lines in the same plane:
<a> ~=3N·
{b) AB= 3PQ.
12) ABC is a trl~e :
ca>~ = M+~.
{b) AB = AC + CB.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

38 Applied Mathemltict I

TYPE IV
13) Calculate the magnitude of the resultant of two forces Fa and F2 •
(a) F1 = 31 + 7j.
(b)F1 = i-4j.
(c) Both forces act at a point 21 + j.
14) ABCDEF is a hexagon. Find, in terms of a and b, the vecto rs which the
remairting sides represent If:
<a> 'AB= a.
(b) the hexagon is regular,
<c> F'C = b.
15) Six forces acting on a parlicle have directions parallel to the sides AB, BC.
CD. DE, EF, FA of a hexagon. Find the magnitude and direction of their
resultant if:
(a) the forces have magnitudes F, 2F, 3F, 2F, 2F, F respectively,
(b) the sense of each force is indicated by the order of the letters.
(c) the hexagon is regular.
I 6) Express a force F in the form ai + bj.
(a) The magnitude of the force is 5 N.
(b) The force is inclined at 60° to the horizontal.
(c) j is in the direction of the upward vertical.

TYPEV

17) The resultant of AB and BC is CA.

18) Two vectors of equal magnitude and which are in the same direction are
equal vectors.
19) A particle of weight Wis on a plane inclined at°' to the horizontal. The
component of the weight parallel to the plane is Ill cos°'·
20) The resultant of two vectors of magnitudes P and Q and inclined at 60° is
Jpi+ ai - PQ.
21) If Fa = 2i + 3j and F1 =2i- Jj then Fa and F 2 arc equal and opposite.

MISCELLANEOUS EXERCISE 2

I) A force of 30 N is inclined at an angle 9 to the horizontal. If its vertical

component is 18 N, find the horizontal componenl and the value of 9.
2) Resolve a vector into two perpendicular components so that :
(I) the components are of equal magnitudes,
(ii) the magnitude of one component is twice that of the other.
3) Forces of magnitudes 2, 3, 2 and 5 newton act at a point. The angles

Ur'> x r hthch gc chuut M tcr a

 Vectors. Componenu and Result1nu 39

0
between them are 30°, (fJ and 30° respectively. Calculate their resultant and
verify your results by drawing a suitable scale diagram.
4) Forces represented by 31 + Sj, I - 2j and - 31 + j together with a fourth force
Fact on a particle. If the resultant force is represented by 4i + j, find F.
S) ABCDEF is a regular hexagon . Forces acting along CB, CA, Cf and CD
are
of magnitudes 2, 4, S and 6 newton respectively. What is the inclination of their
resultant to CF?
6) Jfa represents a velocity of 4 ms' North East and b represents a velocity of
6 ms-• West, what velocities are represented by:
(i) - 2a (ii) a + b (iii) 3b - a?
7) In a regular pentagon ABCDE :
(a) what is the resultant of~i)
(b) prove that AD+ OC =AB-CB.
AB+ BC --
(ii) EA - BA,

8) ~CQ.is ~aralle~ram. What represents the resultant of forces represented

by AB, BC, BDand CA?
9) ABC is an equilateral trian~ a!!!!_D~the m~point of BC. Forces of I , 2,
4 and '3'/3 newton act along BC, BA, CA and AD respectively. Resolve each of
the forces in the directions BC and DA and verify that the sum of the components
In each direction is zero.
10) A force of 2Vl N acts along the diagonal AC of a square ABCD and another
0
force Pacts along AD. If the resultant force is inclined at (fJ to AB find the
value of P.
11) Forces of m'!&!litudes 2P, 4P, 3P and Pact on a particle in directions panllel
to the sidesAB, BC, CD andDE of a regular hexagon . Find the magnitude and
direction of their result ant.
12) Forcesof9, 2, Sand I newton act along the sides OA, AB, BC and CO of
a rectangle OABC and a force of IS newtons acts along AC. OA = 4a and
AB = Jo. Taking OA and OC asx and y axes respectively find an expression for
the resultant force vector in the form Xi + Yj.
13) A quadrilateral ABCD has opposite sides AB and DC parallel. Angle
ABC= I 50° and angle BAD= 60°. Forces 2P, P, P, 2P act along Aiti BC, CO,
AD respectively. Prove that the resultant has magnitude P(8 + 3v'3)• and find
the tangent of the angle it makes with AB. (U of L)

14) Forces P and Q act along lines OA and OB respectively and their resultant is
a force of magnitude P. If the force P along OA is replaced by a force 2P !long
OA, the resultant of 2P and Q Is a.lso a force of magnitude P. Find:
(a) the magnitude of Qin terms of P,
(b) the angle between OA and OB.

Ur'> Llc r"Chlhch chiilll M !er a

40 Applied M1them1tics I

(c) the angles which the two resultants make with OA.
(Oxford)
15) A plane lamina has perpendicular axes Ox and Oy marked on it, and is acted
upon by the following forces:
SP in the direction Oy,
4P in the direction Ox,
6P in the direction OA where A is the point (3a, 4a),
8Pin the direction AB where Bis the point (-a,a).
Express each force in the form pi + qj and hence calculate the magnitude and
direction of the resultant of these forces.
16) A speedboat which can travel at 20 knots in still water starts from the
corner X of an equilateral triangle XYZ of side 10 nautical miles and describes
the complete course XYZX in the least possible time. A tide of 5 knots is running
zx.
in the direction Find:
(a) the speed of the boat along XY,
(b) to the nearest minute the time taken by the speedboat to traverse the complete
course XYZX.
(I knot is one nautical mile per hour).
(U of L)
17) The diagonals of the plane quadrilateral ABCD intersect at 0 and X, Y arc
the mid-points of the diagonals AC, BO respectively. Show that:
(i) BA+ BC= 28X
(ii) BA+ BC + fil + oc = 4YX
7-:t + 2BC
(iiQjAl:I - -
+ 2CA = 0
If OA +OB+ OC +OD= 40M, find the location of M.
(A.E.B)
1!).Giv~ two vectors OP fil
and show how to construct geometrically the sum
(OP + OQ) and the difference (OP - OQ).
If X, Y. Z arc the mid-points of the lines BC, CA,~ re~ctiv~ an_!p is.!!\>' _
point in the plane of the triangle ABC, show that OA + OB+ OC = OX+ OY + OZ
OA OB - OC OD.
and find the position of the point D such that + =
(U o( L)

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