Tugboat A is pushing along the Y axis with a force of Py, and tugboat B is pushing along

the X axis with a force of Px. Imagine in Figure 2.8b that the barge is reduced to a point
at O, the point of concurrence of the lines of action of the forces, and using the principle
of transmissibility, the forces are moved to that point. The combined effect of the two
forces can be determined by adding the forces vectorially, as shown in Figure 2.8c, by
completing the rectangle of which the forces are a part. The combined effect, called the
resultant vector, the resultant force, or just the resultant, designated here as P, is the
diagonal of the rectangle. The two forces Px and Py are called the component vectors,
component forces, or simply the components of the resultant. (Resultants are discussed
in detail in Chapter 3.) A slightly different method, using a force triangle, is shown in
Figure 2.8d, where the two vectors are added by positioning the arrowhead (or tip) of
the Py vector in contact with the end (or tail) of the Px vector. Note that the forces still
act through point O as shown in Figure 2.8a. The force triangle is merely a convenient
means for showing the relationship between concurrent force vectors and their resultant.
In each case (Figure 2.8c and d), the magnitude of the resultant can be found using the
Pythagorean theorem.
The force triangle of Figure 2.8d also shows how a convenient graphical solution can
be accomplished. Assuming that the magnitudes of the forces are known, draw the
component forces accurately to scale and arranged as in Figure 2.8d. The resultant
force can be drawn from the tail of Py to the tip of Px. This process is a graphical vector
addition. The magnitude of the resultant can be scaled from the diagram and the
direction determined with a protractor, which can serve as a quick

check for the trigonometric calculations. The magnitude of the resultant in Figure 2.8c
(and d) is determined analytically using the Pythagorean theorem:

from which

(2.1)

In addition, the direction (inclination with the horizontal X axis) of the vector P is
 (2.2)

The sense of P is determined by the signs of the component vectors, as previously

discussed, in combination with a diagram such as that of Figure 2.8d. In this case, the
sense would be downward and to the left.
It should be noted at this point that the preceding discussion has been developed using
the notation of P for vector, or force. This is a general notation. Forces are frequently,
but not always, denoted P; resultant forces are frequently, but not always, denoted R.
Other designations are equally valid and a sketch will usually help clarify the issue.
Most important is that once the notation scheme for a particular problem has been
chosen, it should be adhered to carefully.
Example 2.1
The rectangular components of a force are lb in the Y direction (Py) and lb in
the X direction (Px). Both forces act through point O, as shown in Figure 2.9a.
Calculate the magnitude, inclination with the X axis, and the sense of the resultant
force P.
Figure 2.9 Force relationships.
Solution
Using an X–Y coordinate axes system (see Figure 2.9b), construct a rectangle by
drawing lines AC parallel and equal to Px and through the tip of Py and BC parallel and
equal to Py and through the tip of Px. The diagonal of the rectangle represents the
unknown force P.
Use the right triangle OBC where along with Equation (2.1):
The inclination of the resultant with the X axis can be obtained using Equation (2.2):

The sense of force P is upward and to the left and is shown in Figure 2.9b.
Example 2.2
Two forces, Fx and 4000 lb, intersect at O on a heavy object that is to be pulled along
a line defined by a 40° angle with the Y axis, as shown in Figure 2.10. Determine the
required force Fx and find the magnitude of the resultant of the two forces.

Figure 2.10 Plan view for Example 2.2.

Solution
In Figure 2.10, the rectangle OABC with sides parallel and perpendicular to the X–Y
coordinate axis system establishes the relationship between the forces. The diagonal
OB represents the resultant R. Use right triangle OAB, where side AB equals force Fx:

Therefore,
From Equation (2.1),

It is frequently convenient to replace a given force to simplify an analysis. Any given

force may be replaced by an alternate set of forces provided that the combined
replacement forces have the same effect as that of the original force.

As an example, consider the force due to wind against the roof of a building. The
direction of the wind force is perpendicular to the sloping surface, as shown in Figure
2.11a. To simplify certain aspects of this problem, we may choose to replace the
inclined force with the vertical and horizontal forces shown in Figure 2.11b. The vector
sum of these two forces would be equivalent to the inclined force. In other words, the
inclined force would be replaced by an equivalent rectangular force system, with the
two forces acting at right angles to each other and having the same effect as the applied
inclined force.
Figure 2.11 Inclined wind force.

Example 2.1
The rectangular components of a force are lb in the Y direction (Py) and lb in
the X direction (Px). Both forces act through point O, as shown in Figure 2.9a. Calculate
the magnitude, inclination with the X axis, and the sense of the resultant force P.
Figure 2.9 Force relationships.
Solution
Using an X–Y coordinate axes system (see Figure 2.9b), construct a rectangle by
drawing lines AC parallel and equal to Px and through the tip of Py and BC parallel and
equal to Py and through the tip of Px. The diagonal of the rectangle represents the
unknown force P.
Use the right triangle OBC where along with Equation (2.1):

The inclination of the resultant with the X axis can be obtained using Equation (2.2):

The sense of force P is upward and to the left and is shown in Figure 2.9b.

Example 2.2
Two forces, Fx and 4000 lb, intersect at O on a heavy object that is to be pulled along
a line defined by a 40° angle with the Y axis, as shown in Figure 2.10. Determine the
required force Fx and find the magnitude of the resultant of the two forces.
Figure 2.10 Plan view for Example 2.2.
Solution
In Figure 2.10, the rectangle OABC with sides parallel and perpendicular to the X–Y
coordinate axis system establishes the relationship between the forces. The diagonal
OB represents the resultant R. Use right triangle OAB, where side AB equals force Fx:

Therefore,

From Equation (2.1),

It is frequently convenient to replace a given force to simplify an analysis. Any given

force may be replaced by an alternate set of forces provided that the combined
replacement forces have the same effect as that of the original force.