Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward vector resolution problem requiring students to resolve three forces into components and find the resultant magnitude and direction. The given value of cos α simplifies calculations (avoiding messy trigonometry), and the method is a standard textbook exercise in M1. It's easier than average A-level questions as it's purely procedural with no problem-solving insight required, though not trivial since it involves multiple force components.
Three coplanar forces of magnitudes \(100\text{ N}\), \(50\text{ N}\) and \(50\text{ N}\) act at a point \(A\), as shown in the diagram. The value of \(\cos \alpha\) is \(\frac{4}{5}\).
\includegraphics{figure_1}
Find the magnitude of the resultant of the three forces and state its direction. [3]
Three coplanar forces of magnitudes $100\text{ N}$, $50\text{ N}$ and $50\text{ N}$ act at a point $A$, as shown in the diagram. The value of $\cos \alpha$ is $\frac{4}{5}$.
\includegraphics{figure_1}
Find the magnitude of the resultant of the three forces and state its direction. [3]
\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE M1 2020 Q1 [3]}}