Standard +0.3 This is a standard equilibrium problem requiring resolution of forces in two perpendicular directions to form two simultaneous equations. While it involves some algebraic manipulation and trigonometry, it follows a routine method taught in M1 with no novel insight required. The presence of the parameter P and unknown angle θ makes it slightly above average difficulty for basic equilibrium questions, but it remains a textbook-style problem.
\includegraphics{figure_2}
Coplanar forces of magnitudes 20 N, \(P\) N, \(3P\) N and \(4P\) N act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. The system is in equilibrium.
Find \(P\) and \(\theta\). [6]
\includegraphics{figure_2}
Coplanar forces of magnitudes 20 N, $P$ N, $3P$ N and $4P$ N act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. The system is in equilibrium.
Find $P$ and $\theta$. [6]
\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE M1 2020 Q2 [6]}}