Resultant of Coplanar Force Systems (More than Two Forces)

When the resultant of more than two forces has to be obtained, it is easier to find components
of each force along specified axes (the x and y axis), add these components algebraically and
then form the resultant.

The resultant of several coplanar forces can easily be determined if an x, y coordinate system is
established and the forces are resolved along the axes.
The direction of each force is specified by the angle its line of action makes with one of the
axes, or by the slope of triangle.
The orientation of the x and y axes is arbitrary, and their positive direction can be specified by
the Cartesian unit vectors i and j.

The x and y components of the resultant force are simply the algebraic addition of the
components of all the coplanar forces.
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋 = ∑ 𝐹𝑋

(𝐹𝑅 )𝑌 = ∑ 𝐹𝑌
The magnitude of the resultant force is determined from the Pythagorean theorem, and when
the resultant components are sketched on the x and y axes, the direction Ꝋ can be determined
from trigonometry.

𝐹𝑅 = √(𝐹𝑅 )2𝑥 + (𝐹𝑅 )2𝑦

(𝐹𝑅 )𝑌
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | |
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋

Example:
1. Four forces act on bolt A as shown. Determine the magnitude and direction of the
resultant of the forces on the bolt.

Solution:
Resolve the forces into rectangular components.
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋 = ∑ 𝐹𝑋 = 150𝑁𝑐𝑜𝑠300 − 80𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛200 + 100𝑁𝑐𝑜𝑠150 = 199.13𝑁

(𝐹𝑅 )𝑌 = ∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 150𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛300 + 80𝑁𝑐𝑜𝑠200 − 110𝑁 − 100𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛150 = 14.29𝑁

𝐹𝑅 = √(𝐹𝑅 )2𝑥 + (𝐹𝑅 )2𝑦 = √(199.13)2 + (14.29)2 = 199.64𝑁

(𝐹𝑅 )𝑌 14.29𝑁
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | | = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | | = 4.100
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋 199.13𝑁

2. The end of the boom O is subjected to three forces as shown. Determine the magnitude
and direction of the resultant force.

Solution:
Resolve the forces into rectangular components.

4
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋 = ∑ 𝐹𝑋 = −400𝑁 + 250𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛450 − 200𝑁 ( ) = −383.2𝑁
5
3
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑌 = ∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 250𝑁𝑐𝑜𝑠450 + 200𝑁 ( ) = 296.8𝑁
5
(𝐹𝑅 ) 𝑌 296.8𝑁
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | | = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 | | = 37. 80
(𝐹𝑅 )𝑋 383.2𝑁