Solution to Module Exam 01A (ESci 123m 2nd Sem SY 2022-2023)

1. In the Figure shown below, determine the vertical and horizontal

components of each force (F1 and F2). Note that the x-axis and y-axis in
the figure do not correspond to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis
respectively.

Solution: Draw the horizontal and vertical axes and get the angles of
the two forces with respect to the horizontal axis and determine its two
components (horizontal and vertical components).

For F1:

𝐹1𝐻 = 𝐹1 cos 30 = 400 cos 30 = 346.41 𝑁 →

𝐹1𝑉 = 𝐹1 sin 30 = 400 sin 30 = 200 𝑁 ↑

For F2:

𝐹2𝐻 = 𝐹2 cos(30 + 45) = 250 cos 75 = 64.70 𝑁 →

𝐹2𝑉 = 𝐹2 sin(30 + 45) = 250 sin 75 = 241.48 𝑁 ↓

2. In the figure shown below, determine the components of each force (F1,
F2, and F3) along the x and y axes.

Solution: Determine the components of all the forces along x and y axes by
by projecting a straight line from the head of the force vector and
perpendicular to the axis (either x or y axis).Then, use the appropriate
trigonometric identity for right triangle to get the magnitude of each
component.

For F1 (Projected to the positive y-axis):

𝐹1𝑥 = 𝐹1 sin 40 = 15 sin 40 = 9.64 𝑘𝑁 →

𝐹1𝑦 = 𝐹1 cos 40 = 15 cos 40 = 11.49 𝑘𝑁 ↑

For F2 (Projected to the negative x-axis):

12
𝐹2𝑥 = 𝐹2 cos 𝜃 = 26 ( ) = 24 𝑘𝑁 ←
13
5
𝐹2𝑦 = 𝐹2 sin 𝜃 = 26 ( ) = 10 𝑘𝑁 ↑
13
For F3 (Projected to the positive x-axis):

𝐹3𝑥 = 𝐹3 cos 30 = 36 cos 30 = 31.18 𝑘𝑁 →

𝐹3𝑦 = 𝐹3 sin 30 = 36 sin 30 = 18 𝑘𝑁 ↓

3. In the figure shown below, determine the magnitude and its direction of the
resultant force measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis using
“Triangular Law” method.

Solution: By Triangle Law Method, the resultant force can be determined by

adding first the two force vectors F1 and F2 graphically as shown below. Then
use cosine law to get the magnitude of the resultant force. Lastly, use cosine
law to get the direction of the resultant force measured counterclockwise from
the positive x-axis.

Solving for the magnitude of R by cosine law:

𝑅 = √𝐹12 + 𝐹22 − 2𝐹1 𝐹2 cos(30 + 45)

𝑅 = √2002 + 1502 − 2(200)(150) cos 75

𝑅 = 216.73 𝑁

Solving for the direction of R (𝜃𝑅 ) by cosine law:

𝐹22 = 𝑅2 + 𝐹12 − 2𝑅𝐹1 cos 𝛼

𝑅2 + 𝐹12 − 𝐹22
𝛼 = cos −1
2𝑅𝐹1

216.732 + 2002 − 1502

𝛼 = cos −1 = 41.95369794
2(216.73)(200)

𝜃𝑅 = 45 + 𝛼 = 45 + 41.95369794 ≈ 86.950

4. In the figure shown in the next column, determine the magnitude and its
direction of the resultant force measured counterclockwise from the positive
x-axis using “Triangular Law” method.

Solution: By Triangle Law Method, the resultant force can be determined by

adding first the two force vectors F1 and F2 graphically as shown below. Then
use cosine law to get the magnitude of the resultant force. Lastly, use cosine
law to get the direction of the resultant force measured counterclockwise from
the positive x-axis.

Solving for the magnitude of R by cosine law:

𝑅 = √𝐹12 + 𝐹22 − 2𝐹1 𝐹2 cos 75

𝑅 = √4002 + 2502 − 2(400)(250) cos 75

𝑅 = 413.20 𝑁

Solving for the direction of R (𝜃𝑅 ) by cosine law:

𝐹22 = 𝑅2 + 𝐹12 − 2𝑅𝐹1 cos 𝛼

𝑅2 + 𝐹12 − 𝐹22
𝛼 = cos −1
2𝑅𝐹1

413.202 + 4002 − 2502

𝛼 = cos −1 = 35.76163882
2(413.20)(400)

𝜃𝑅 = 360 − (𝛼 − 30) = 360 − (35.76163882 − 30) ≈ 354.240

5. Find the resultant (magnitude and direction) of the two force vectors F (200 lbs, 130 deg) and P (700 lbs, 300 deg)
using “Triangular Law” method. The direction of the resultant force should be measured counterclockwise from the
positive x-axis.

Solution: By Triangle Law Method, the resultant force can be determined by adding first
the two force vectors F and P graphically as shown below. Then use cosine law to get the
magnitude of the resultant force. Lastly, use cosine law to get the direction of the resultant
force measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

Solving for the magnitude of R by cosine law:

𝑅 = √𝐹 2 + 𝑃2 − 2𝐹𝑃 cos 10

𝑅 = √2002 + 7002 − 2(200)(700) cos 10

𝑅 = 504.24 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Solving for the direction of R (𝜃𝑅 ) by cosine law:

𝑃2 = 𝑅2 + 𝐹 2 − 2𝑅𝐹 cos 𝛼

𝑅 2 + 𝐹 2 − 𝑃2
𝛼 = cos −1
2𝑅𝐹
504.242 + 2002 − 7002
𝛼 = cos −1 = 166.0505822
2(504.24)(200)

𝜃𝑅 = 130 + 𝛼 = 130 + 166.0505822 ≈ 296.050

6. If F = 5 KN and 𝜃 = 30 degree, determine the magnitude of the resultant force

and its direction, measured counterclockwise from the positive x axis. Use
component method.

Solution: The first step in solving this problem is to resolve the three forces by
their components along x and y axes. To do this, project a horizontal line from
the head of the force vector F to the y-axis; this will serve as your right triangle
in determining its components. Project also another horizontal line from the head
of the force vector of 4-kN force to the y-axis; this will also serve as your right
triangle in determining its components. Once the components were found, sum
up all the components along x and along y axis and use the Pythagorean
Theorem to determine the magnitude of the resultant force. Lastly, to determine
the direction of the resultant force, use the arctangent identity.

Summation of forces along x:

Σ𝐹𝑥 (+→) = 𝐹 sin 𝜃 + 6 − 4 sin 15

Σ𝐹𝑥 (+→) = 5 sin 30 + 6 − 4 sin 15

Σ𝐹𝑥 (+→) ≈ 7.4647382 𝑘𝑁

Summation of forces along y:

Σ𝐹𝑦 (+↑) = 𝐹 cos 𝜃 + 4 cos 15

Σ𝐹𝑦 (+↑) = 5 cos 30 + 4 cos 15

Σ𝐹𝑦 (+↑) ≈ 8.193830324 𝑘𝑁

Solving for the resultant force R and the direction angle 𝜃𝑅 :

R = √Σ𝐹𝑥 2 + Σ𝐹𝑦 2 = √7.46473822 + 8.1938303242 ≈ 11.08 𝑘𝑁

Σ𝐹𝑦 8.193830324
𝜃𝑅 = tan−1 = tan−1 ≈ 47.670
Σ𝐹𝑥 7.4647382
7. If the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the bracket is to be 450 N
directed along the positive u axis, determine the magnitude of F1 and its
direction 𝜙. Use component method.

Solution: To determine the magnitude and direction of F1, first, resolve all the
components (along x and along y) of each force and sum it up. Then, use the
principle in which “the summation of all component forces along x and along y
is equal to the x-component and y-component of the resultant force respectively”
in determining the values of the components of F1. Once the x and y
components of F1 were found, proceed to the last step which is the
determination of direction 𝜙 of F1 using the arctangent identity of a right triangle
generated by projecting a horizontal line from the head of force vector F1 to the
y-axis.

Summation of forces along x:

Σ𝐹𝑥 (+→) = 𝑅 cos 30

5
𝐹1𝑥 + 𝐹2 + 𝐹3 ( ) = 𝑅 cos 30
13
5 5
𝐹1𝑥 = 𝑅 cos 30 − 𝐹2 − 𝐹3 ( ) = 450 cos 30 − 200 − 260 ( ) = 89.7114317 𝑁
13 13
Summation of forces along y:

Σ𝐹𝑦 (+↑) = 𝑅 sin 30

12
𝐹1𝑦 − 𝐹3 ( ) = 𝑅 sin 30
13
12 12
𝐹1𝑦 = 𝑅 sin 30 + 𝐹3 ( ) = 450 sin 30 + 260 ( ) = 465 𝑁
13 13
Solving for the magnitude and direction angle of F1:

𝐹1 = √𝐹1𝑥 2 + 𝐹1𝑦 2 = √89.71143172 + 465 2 ≈ 473.57 𝑁

𝐹1𝑥 89.711431
𝜙 = tan−1 = tan−1 ≈ 10.920
𝐹1𝑦 465

8. The block shown in the figure below is acted on by its weight W = 400 lbs,
a horizontal force F = 600 lb, and the pressure P exerted by the inclined plane.
The resultant R of these forces is parallel to the incline. Determine P and R.

Solution: Use component method in determining the values of P and R. Start

by plotting the three forces (F, W and P) on the x-y plane including the
resultant force which act 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal as stated
in the problem. Next, sum up all the component forces along x and along y
and lastly, equate it to the components of the resultant force along x and y
respectively.

Summation of forces along x:

Σ𝐹𝑥 (+→) = 𝑅 cos 30

𝐹 − 𝑃 cos 45 = 𝑅 cos 30

𝑃 cos 45 + 𝑅 cos 30 = 𝐹

𝑃 cos 45 + 𝑅 cos 30 = 600 Equation 01

Summation of forces along y:

Σ𝐹𝑦 (+↑) = 𝑅 sin 30

𝑃 sin 45 − 𝑊 = 𝑅 sin 30
 𝑃 sin 45 − 𝑅 sin 30 = 𝑊

𝑃 sin 45 − 𝑅 sin 30 = 400 Equation 02

Combining Equations 01 and 02 to solve for P and R:

𝑃 = 669.21 𝑙𝑏𝑠

𝑅 = 146.41 𝑙𝑏𝑠

9. In the figure shown below, determine the components of each force (F1 and F2)
along the x, y and z axes.

Solution:

Solving the components of F1 given the direction angles:

𝐹1𝑥 = 𝐹1 cos 45 = 400 cos 45 ≈ 282.84 𝑁 ↙

𝐹1𝑦 = 𝐹1 cos 60 = 400 cos 60 ≈ 200 𝑁 →

𝐹1𝑧 = 𝐹1 cos 60 = 400 cos 60 ≈ 200 𝑁 ↓

The z-component of F1 is pointing downward since it lies below the x-y plane.

Solving the components of F2 using trigonometric identities applied for a right triangle:
3 3
𝐹2𝑧 = 𝐹2 ( ) = 125 ( ) = 75 𝑁 ↑
5 5
4 4
𝐹2⊥ = 𝐹2 ( ) = 125 ( ) = 100 𝑁
5 5
𝐹2𝑥 = 𝐹2⊥ cos 20 = 100 cos 20 ≈ 93.97 𝑁 ↙

𝐹2𝑦 = 𝐹2⊥ sin 20 = 100 sin 20 ≈ 34.20 𝑁 ←

The y-component of F2 is pointing to the left since it lies to the left side of the x-z plane.

10. In the figure shown below, determine the components of each force
(F1 and F2) along the x, y and z axes.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of the points A, C, and B.

𝐴 = (0,4,0); 𝐵 = (2,0, −6)

2.5
𝐶 = (−2.5,0, (12)) = (−2.5,0,6)
5
Solving the components of F1:
𝑥𝐴𝐶
𝐹1𝑥 = 𝐹1
𝑑𝐴𝐶
𝑥𝐶 − 𝑥𝐴
𝐹1𝑥 = 𝐹1
√(𝑥𝐶 − 𝑥𝐴 )2 + (𝑦𝐶 − 𝑦𝐴 )2 + (𝑧𝐶 − 𝑧𝐴 )2
−2.5 − 0 −2.5
𝐹1𝑥 = 80 = ≈ 26.20 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ↗
√(−2.5 − 0)2 + (0 − 4)2 + (6 − 0)2 √233
2
𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑦𝐶 − 𝑦𝐴 0−4
𝐹1𝑦 = 𝐹1 = 𝐹1 = 80 ≈ 41.93 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ←
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝑑𝐴𝐶 √233
2
 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑧𝐶 − 𝑧𝐴 6−0
𝐹1𝑧 = 𝐹1 = 𝐹1 = 80 ≈ 62.89 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ↑
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝑑𝐴𝐶 √233
2
Solving the components of F2:
𝑥𝐴𝐵
𝐹2𝑥 = 𝐹2
𝑑𝐴𝐵
𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐴
𝐹2𝑥 = 𝐹2
√(𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐴 )2 + (𝑦𝐵 − 𝑦𝐴 )2 + (𝑧𝐵 − 𝑧𝐴 )2
2−0 2
𝐹2𝑥 = 50 = ≈ 13.36 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ↙
√(2 − 0)2 + (0 − 4)2 + (−6 − 0)2 2√14

𝑦𝐴𝐵 𝑦𝐵 − 𝑦𝐴 0−4
𝐹2𝑦 = 𝐹2 = 𝐹2 = 50 ≈ 26.73 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ←
𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝑑𝐴𝐵 2√14
𝑧𝐴𝐵 𝑧𝐵 − 𝑧𝐴 −6 − 0
𝐹2𝑧 = 𝐹2 = 𝐹2 = 50 ≈ 40.09 𝑙𝑏𝑠 ↓
𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝑑𝐴𝐵 2√14

11. The screw eye is subjected to the two forces shown. Express each force in
Cartesian vector form and then determine the resultant force. Find the magnitude
and coordinate direction angles of the resultant force.

Solution:

Determine the vector form of F1:

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = −𝐹1 cos 60 sin 45 𝑖 + 𝐹1 cos 60 cos 45 𝑗 + 𝐹1 sin 60 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = −300 cos 60 sin 45 𝑖 + 300 cos 60 cos 45 𝑗 + 300 sin 60 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗1 = −75√2𝑖 + 75√2𝑗 + 259.8076211𝑘 𝑁

𝐹

The x-component of F1 is negative since it lies on the back side of the z-y plane.

Determine the vector form of F2 using direction angles:

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 𝐹2 cos 60 𝑖 + 𝐹2 cos 45 𝑗 + 𝐹2 cos 120 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 500 cos 60 𝑖 + 500 cos 45 𝑗 + 500 cos 120 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 250𝑖 + 353.55𝑗 − 250𝑘 𝑁

For direction angles, the cosine function will automatically give you the sign of a particular component. For example, the
z-component of F2 is negative since cosine 120 produces negative value. It can also be seen in the figure in which the
force vector F2 lies below the x-y plane.

Determining the magnitude of the resultant force R:

⃗R = ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 + ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = −75√2𝑖 + 75√2𝑗 + 259.8076211𝑘 + 250𝑖 + 353.55𝑗 − 250𝑘

⃗ = 143.93𝑖 + 459.62𝑗 + 9.8076211𝑘 𝑁

R

𝑅 = √143.932 + 459.622 + 9.80762112 = 481.73 𝑁

Determining the direction angles of R:

𝑅𝑥 143.93
𝛼 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 72.620
R 481.73
𝑅𝑦 459.62
𝛽 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 17.430
R 481.73
𝑅𝑧 9.8076211
𝛾 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 88.830
R 481.73
12. Determine the magnitude and coordinate direction angles of the
resultant force.

Solution:

Determine the vector form of F1:

4 3
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = 𝐹1 ( ) 𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 𝐹1 ( ) 𝑘
5 5
4 3
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = 90 ( ) 𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 90 ( ) 𝑘
5 5
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = 72𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 54𝑘 𝑁

The y-component of F1 is zero because it lies on the x-z plane as shown

in the figure.

Determine the vector form of F2:

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 𝐹2 cos 60 sin 45 𝑖 + 𝐹2 cos 60 cos 45 𝑗 + 𝐹2 cos 60 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 150 cos 60 sin 45 𝑖 + 150 cos 60 cos 45 𝑗 + 150 cos 60 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 53.03𝑖 + 53.03𝑗 + 129.90𝑘 𝑁

Determining the vector form of F3:

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹3 = 0𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 200𝑘 𝑁

The force vector F3 doesn’t have components along x and y axes since it lies along the z-axis.

Determining the magnitude of the resultant force R:

⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗
R 𝐹1 + ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 + ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹3 = 72𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 54𝑘 + 53.03𝑖 + 53.03𝑗 + 129.90𝑘 + 0𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 200𝑘

⃗R = 125.03𝑖 + 53.03𝑗 + 383.9𝑘 𝑁

𝑅 = √125.032 + 53.032 + 383.92 = 407.21 𝑁

Determining the direction angles of R:

𝑅𝑥 125.03
𝛼 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 72.120
R 407.21
𝑅𝑦 53.03
𝛽 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 82.520
R 407.21
𝑅𝑧 383.9
𝛾 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 19.480
R 407.21

13. Determine the magnitude and coordinate direction angles of F3 so that

the resultant of the three forces acts along the positive y axis and has a
magnitude of 600 lb.

Solution:

Determining the vector form of F1, F2, F3 and the resultant force R:

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = −180𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 0𝑘 𝑙𝑏

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 𝐹2 cos 30 sin 40 𝑖 + 𝐹2 cos 30 cos 40 𝑗 − 𝐹2 cos 30 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 300 cos 30 sin 40 𝑖 + 300 cos 30 cos 40 𝑗 − 300 cos 30 𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹2 = 167𝑖 + 199.02𝑗 − 150𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

⃗⃗⃗
𝐹3 = 𝐹3𝑥 𝑖 + 𝐹3𝑦 𝑗 + 𝐹3𝑧 𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠
 𝑅⃗ = 0𝑖 + 600𝑗 + 0𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

The z-component of F2 is negative since it lies below the x-y plane. The resultant force vector only has y-component as
stated in the problem.

Taking the summation of forces along x equals the x-component of R and solving for F3x:

𝐹1𝑥 + 𝐹2𝑥 + 𝐹3𝑥 = 𝑅𝑥

𝐹3𝑥 = 𝑅𝑥 − 𝐹1𝑥 − 𝐹2𝑥

𝐹3𝑥 = 0 − (−180) − 167 = 13 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Taking the summation of forces along y equals the y-component of R and solving for F3y:

𝐹1𝑦 + 𝐹2𝑦 + 𝐹3𝑦 = 𝑅𝑦

𝐹3𝑦 = 𝑅𝑦 − 𝐹1𝑦 − 𝐹2𝑦

𝐹3𝑦 = 600 − 0 − 199.02 = 400.98 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Taking the summation of forces along z equals the z-component of R and solving for F3z:

𝐹1𝑧 + 𝐹2𝑧 + 𝐹3𝑧 = 𝑅𝑧

𝐹3𝑧 = 𝑅𝑧 − 𝐹1𝑧 − 𝐹2𝑧

𝐹3𝑧 = 0 − 0 − (−150) = 150 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Solving for the magnitude of F3 and its direction angles:

𝐹3 = √𝐹3𝑥 2 + 𝐹3𝑦 2 + 𝐹3𝑧 2 = √132 + 400.982 + 1502 = 428.32 𝑙𝑏𝑠

𝐹3𝑥 13
𝛼 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 88.260
𝐹3 428.32
𝐹3𝑦 400.98
𝛽 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 20.580
𝐹3 428.32
𝐹3𝑧 150
𝛾 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 69.500
𝐹3 428.32

14. The two mooring cables exert forces on the stern of a ship as shown.
Determine the resultant in vector notation.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of points A, B, and C where the

cables are attached:

𝐴 = (50,10, −30); 𝐵 = (50,50, −30); 𝐶 = (0,0,0)

Generating the vector form of Fa:

𝐹𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴 = 𝐹𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐶𝐴 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐶𝐴 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐶𝐴 𝑘)
𝑑𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝐴

𝑑𝐶𝐴 = √𝑥𝐶𝐴 2 + 𝑦𝐶𝐴 2 + 𝑧𝐶𝐴 2 = √(50 − 0)2 + (10 − 0)2 + (−30 − 0)2
= 10√35 𝑓𝑡
200
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴 = [(50 − 0)𝑖 + (10 − 0)𝑗 + (−30 − 0)𝑘]
10√35
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴 = 169.03𝑖 + 33.81𝑗 − 101.42𝑘

Generating the vector form of Fb:

 𝐹𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵 = 𝐹𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐶𝐵 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐶𝐵 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐶𝐵 𝑘)
𝑑𝐶𝐵 𝐶𝐵

𝑑𝐶𝐵 = √𝑥𝐶𝐵 2 + 𝑦𝐶𝐵 2 + 𝑧𝐶𝐵 2 = √(50 − 0)2 + (50 − 0)2 + (−30 − 0)2 = 10√59 𝑓𝑡

150
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵 = [(50 − 0)𝑖 + (50 − 0)𝑗 + (−30 − 0)𝑘]
10√59
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵 = 97.64𝑖 + 97.64𝑗 − 58.59𝑘

Solving the resultant force R in vector form:

⃗R = ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵 = 169.03𝑖 + 33.81𝑗 − 101.42𝑘 + 97.64𝑖 + 97.64𝑗 − 58.59𝑘

⃗ = 266.67𝑖 + 131.45𝑗 − 160.01𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

R

15. In the figure shown below, determine the magnitude and

coordinate direction angles of the resultant force.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of points A, B, and C where the

cables are attached:

𝐴 = (0, −2,4); 𝐵 = (1.5, −3,0)

𝐶 = (−2 sin 20 , 2 cos 20 , 0) = (−0.684,1.879,0)

Generating the vector form of 40-lb force:

𝐹40
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹40 = 𝐹40 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐶 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐶

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √𝑥𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 2 = √(−0.684 − 0)2 + (1.879 + 2)2 + (0 − 4)2 ≈ 5.614 𝑓𝑡
40
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹40 = [(−0.684 − 0)𝑖 + (1.879 + 2)𝑗 + (0 − 4)𝑘]
5.614
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹40 = −4.87𝑖 + 27.64𝑗 − 28.5𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Generating the vector form of 20-lb force:

𝐹20
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹20 = 𝐹20 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐵 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵

√77
𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √𝑥𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 2 = √(1.5 − 0)2 + (−3 + 2)2 + (0 − 4)2 ≈ 𝑓𝑡
2
20
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹20 = [(−0.684 − 0)𝑖 + (1.879 + 2)𝑗 + (0 − 4)𝑘]
√77
2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹20 = 6.84𝑖 − 4.56𝑗 − 18.23𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Determining the magnitude of the resultant force R:

⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
R 𝐹40 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹20 = −4.87𝑖 + 27.64𝑗 − 28.5𝑘 + 6.84𝑖 − 4.56𝑗 − 18.23𝑘

⃗R = 1.97𝑖 + 23.08𝑗 − 46.73𝑘 𝑁

𝑅 = √1.972 + 23.082 + (−46.73)2 = 52.16 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Determining the direction angles of R:

𝑅𝑥 1.97
𝛼 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 87.840
R 52.16
 𝑅𝑦 23.08
𝛽 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 63.740
R 52.16
𝑅𝑧 −46.73
𝛾 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 153.620
R 52.16

16. In the figure shown below, a vertical boom AE is supported by guy wires from A
to B, C, and D. If the tensile load in AD = 252 lb, find the forces in AC and AB so that
the resultant force on A will be vertical.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of points A, B, C, D, and E (assume point E as

the origin):

𝐴 = (0,0,12); 𝐵 = (−9,0,0); 𝐶 = (3, −4,0); 𝐷 = (4,6,0); 𝐸 = (0,0,0)

Generating the vector form of Fad, Fab, Fac, and the resultant force R:
𝐹𝐴𝐷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 𝐹𝐴𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐷 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐷 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐷 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐷 𝐴𝐷

𝑑𝐴𝐷 = √𝑥𝐴𝐷 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐷 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐷 2 = √(4 − 0)2 + (6 − 0)2 + (0 − 12)2 ≈ 14 𝑓𝑡

252
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = [(4 − 0)𝑖 + (6 − 0)𝑗 + (0 − 12)𝑘]
14
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 72𝑖 + 108𝑗 − 216𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠
𝐹𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐵 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵

𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √𝑥𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 2 = √(−9 − 0)2 + (0 − 0)2 + (0 − 12)2 ≈ 15 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = [(−9 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 0)𝑗 + (0 − 12)𝑘]
15
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −0.6𝐹𝐴𝐵 𝑖 + 0𝑗 − 0.8𝐹𝐴𝐵 𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠
𝐹𝐴𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐶 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐶

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √𝑥𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 2 = √(3 − 0)2 + (−4 − 0)2 + (0 − 12)2 ≈ 13 𝑓𝑡

𝐹𝐴𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐶 = [(3 − 0)𝑖 + (−4 − 0)𝑗 + (0 − 12)𝑘]
13
3 4 12
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹 𝑖− 𝐹 𝑗− 𝐹 𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠
13 𝐴𝐶 13 𝐴𝐶 13 𝐴𝐶

𝑅⃗ = 0𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 𝑅𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

Equating the i-component:

𝐹𝐴𝐷𝑖 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑖 + 𝐹𝐴𝐶𝑖 = 𝑅𝑖

3
72 + −0.6𝐹𝐴𝐵 + 𝐹 =0
13 𝐴𝐶
3
0.6𝐹𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹 = 72 Equation 01
13 𝐴𝐶
Equating the j-component:

𝐹𝐴𝐷𝑗 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑗 + 𝐹𝐴𝐶𝑗 = 𝑅𝑗

4
108 + 0 + − 𝐹 =0
13 𝐴𝐶
 13
𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 180 ( ) = 315 𝑙𝑏𝑠
4
Substituting value of Fac to equation 01 to solve for Fab:
3
0.6𝐹𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹 = 72
13 𝐴𝐶
3 3
72 + 𝐹 72 + (315)
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 13 𝐴𝐶 = 13 = 255 𝑙𝑏𝑠
0.6 0.6

17 – 18. In the figure shown below, determine the magnitude of the projection
of the force F1 along cable AC and the angle 𝜃.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of A, B, and C:

𝐴 = (2, −3,3); 𝐵 = (0,3,0); 𝐶 = (−2,3,4);

Using dot product to determine the projection of the force F1 along cable AC:

𝐹1 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹1 𝑑𝐴𝐶 cos 𝜃

𝐹1 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶
𝐹1 cos 𝜃 =
𝑑𝐴𝐶

Generating the vector form of F1 and dac:

𝐹1
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = 𝐹1 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑛𝐴𝐵 = (𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 𝑘)
𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵

𝑑𝐴𝐵 = √𝑥𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑦𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑧𝐴𝐵 2 = √(0 − 2)2 + (3 + 3)2 + (0 − 3)2 ≈ 7 𝑚

𝐹1
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = [(0 − 2)𝑖 + (3 + 3)𝑗 + (0 − 3)𝑘]
7
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = −20𝑖 + 60𝑗 − 30𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 𝑥𝐴𝐶 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = [(−2 − 2)𝑖 + (3 + 3)𝑗 + (4 − 3)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = −4𝑖 + 6𝑗 + 𝑘 𝑚

Solving for the magnitude of dac:

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √(−4)2 + 62 + 12 = √53 𝑚

Solving for the projection of force F1:

𝐹1 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝐹1𝑖 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑖 + 𝐹1𝑗 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑗 + 𝐹1𝑘 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑘
𝐹1 cos 𝜃 = =
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝑑𝐴𝐶
−20(−4) + 60(6) + (−30)(1)
𝐹1 cos 𝜃 = ≈ 56.32 𝑁
√53
Solving for the angle 𝜃:

𝐹1 cos 𝜃 ≈ 56.32
56.32 56.32
𝜃 ≈ cos −1 ≈ cos −1 ≈ 36.430
𝐹1 70
19 – 22. In the system shown below, it is found that the force
multiplier of force F acting from B to D is Fm = 150 lb/ft and that of
force P acting from A to E is Pm = 100 lb/ft. Find the component of
each force along AC. What angle does each force make with AC?

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of the points A, B, C, D, and

E(assume point O as the origin):

𝐴 = (0,12,0); 𝐵 = (0,8, −3); 𝐶 = (0,0, −9); 𝐷 = (6,0,0); 𝐸 = (−6,0,4)

Using dot product to determine the projection of the force F along

boom AC:

𝐹𝐵𝐷 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐵𝐷 𝑑𝐵𝐶 cos 𝜃𝐹

𝐹𝐵𝐷 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐵𝐶
𝐹𝐵𝐷 cos 𝜃𝐹 =
𝑑𝐵𝐶

Generating the vector form of Fbd and dbc:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑛𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝑚 (𝑥𝐵𝐷 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐵𝐷 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐵𝐷 𝑘)

𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐵𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 150[(6 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 8)𝑗 + (0 + 3)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 900𝑖 − 1200𝑗 + 450𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 𝑥𝐵𝐶 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐵𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐵𝐶 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = [(0 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 8)𝑗 + (−9 + 3)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 0𝑖 − 8𝑗 − 6𝑘 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the magnitude of Fbd and dbc:

𝐹𝐵𝐷 = √(900)2 + (−1200)2 + (450)2 = 1566.05 𝑙𝑏𝑠

𝑑𝐵𝐶 = √(0)2 + (−8)2 + (−6)2 = 10 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the projection of force F along boom AC:

𝐹𝐵𝐷 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐵𝐶 𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑖 𝑑𝐵𝐶𝑖 + 𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑗 𝑑𝐵𝐶𝑗 + 𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑘 𝑑𝐵𝐶𝑘
𝐹𝐵𝐷 cos 𝜃𝐹 = =
𝑑𝐵𝐶 𝑑𝐵𝐶
900(0) + (−1200)(−8) + 450(−6)
𝐹𝐵𝐷 cos 𝜃𝐹 = = 690 𝑙𝑏𝑠
10
Solving for the angle 𝜃𝐹 :

𝐹𝐵𝐷 cos 𝜃𝐹 = 690

690 690
𝜃𝐹 ≈ cos −1 ≈ cos −1 ≈ 63.860
𝐹𝐵𝐷 1566.05

Using dot product to determine the projection of the force P along boom AC:

𝑃𝐴𝐸 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 𝑃𝐴𝐸 𝑑𝐴𝐶 cos 𝜃𝑃

𝑃𝐴𝐸 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶
𝑃𝐴𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑃 =
𝑑𝐴𝐶

Generating the vector form of Pae and dac:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑛𝐴𝐸 = 𝑃𝑚 (𝑥𝐴𝐸 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐸 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐸 𝑘)

𝑃𝐴𝐸 = 𝑃𝐴𝐸 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝐴𝐸 = 100[(−6 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 12)𝑗 + (4 − 0)𝑘]
 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝐴𝐸 = −600𝑖 − 1200𝑗 + 400𝑘 𝑙𝑏𝑠

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 𝑥𝐴𝐶 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = [(0 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 12)𝑗 + (−9 − 0)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 0𝑖 − 12𝑗 − 9𝑘 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the magnitude of Pae and dac:

𝑃𝐴𝐸 = √(−600)2 + (−1200)2 + (400)2 = 1400 𝑙𝑏𝑠

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √(0)2 + (−12)2 + (−9)2 = 15 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the projection of force P along boom AC:

𝑃𝐴𝐸 ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝑃𝐴𝐸𝑖 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑖 + 𝑃𝐴𝐸𝑗 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑗 + 𝑃𝐴𝐸𝑘 𝑑𝐴𝐶𝑘
𝑃𝐴𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑃 = =
𝑑𝐴𝐶 𝑑𝐴𝐶
−600(0) + (−1200)(−12) + 400(−9)
𝑃𝐴𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑃 = = 720 𝑙𝑏𝑠
15
Solving for the angle 𝜃𝑃 :

𝑃𝐴𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑃 = 720

720 720
𝜃𝑃 = cos −1 = cos −1 ≈ 59.050
𝑃𝐴𝐸 1400

23 – 24. In the system shown in problem 19-22, determine the shortest distance from point D to boom AC and from
point E to boom AC. Hint: Use vector cross product.

Solution:

Determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of the points A, B, C, D, and E(assume point O

as the origin):

𝐴 = (0,12,0); 𝐵 = (0,8, −3); 𝐶 = (0,0, −9); 𝐷 = (6,0,0); 𝐸 = (−6,0,4)

Using vector cross product to determine the value of x or the shortest distance from
point D to the line segment BC:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐷 × 𝑑𝐵𝐶 | = 𝑑𝐵𝐷 𝑑𝐵𝐶 sin 𝜃𝐵

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐷 × 𝑑𝐵𝐶 |
𝑑𝐵𝐷 sin 𝜃𝐵 = 𝑥 =
𝑑𝐵𝐶

Generating the vector form of dbd and dbc:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐷 = 𝑥𝐵𝐷 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐵𝐷 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐵𝐷 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐷 = (6 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 8)𝑗 + (0 + 3)𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐷 = 6𝑖 − 8𝑗 + 3𝑘 𝑓𝑡

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 𝑥𝐵𝐶 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐵𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐵𝐶 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = [(0 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 8)𝑗 + (−9 + 3)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 0𝑖 − 8𝑗 − 6𝑘 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the magnitude of dbc:

𝑑𝐵𝐶 = √(0)2 + (−8)2 + (−6)2 = 10 𝑓𝑡

 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Determining the magnitude of the cross product |𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐷 × 𝑑𝐵𝐶 |:

𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐷 × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = det |6 −8 3 | = 48𝑖 + 0𝑗 − 48𝑘 − (0𝑘 − 36𝑗 − 24𝑘)
0 −8 −6
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐷 × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 72𝑖 + 36𝑗 − 48𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 2 2 2
𝐵𝐷 × 𝑑𝐵𝐶 | = √72 + 36 + (−48) = 12√61 𝑓𝑡
2

Solving for x:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐷 × 𝑑𝐵𝐶 | 12√61 𝑓𝑡 2
𝑥= = ≈ 9.37 𝑓𝑡
𝑑𝐵𝐶 10 𝑓𝑡

Using vector cross product to determine the value of y or the shortest distance from point E
to the line segment AC:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐸 × 𝑑𝐴𝐶 | = 𝑑𝐴𝐸 𝑑𝐴𝐶 sin 𝜃𝐴

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐸 × 𝑑𝐴𝐶 |
𝑑𝐴𝐸 sin 𝜃𝐴 = 𝑦 =
𝑑𝐴𝐶

Generating the vector form of dae and dac:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐸 = 𝑥𝐴𝐸 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐸 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐸 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐸 = (−6 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 12)𝑗 + (4 − 0)𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐸 = −6𝑖 − 12𝑗 + 4𝑘 𝑓𝑡

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 𝑥𝐴𝐶 𝑖 + 𝑦𝐴𝐶 𝑗 + 𝑧𝐴𝐶 𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = [(0 − 0)𝑖 + (0 − 12)𝑗 + (−9 − 0)𝑘]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 0𝑖 − 12𝑗 − 9𝑘 𝑓𝑡

Solving for the magnitude of dac:

𝑑𝐴𝐶 = √(0)2 + (−12)2 + (−9)2 = 15 𝑓𝑡

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Determining the magnitude of the cross product |𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐸 × 𝑑𝐴𝐶 |:

𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐸 × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = det |−6 −12 4 | = 108𝑖 + 0𝑗 + 72𝑘 − (0𝑘 + 54𝑗 − 48𝑘)
0 −12 −9
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐸 × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴𝐶 = 156𝑖 − 54𝑗 + 72𝑘

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 2 2 2
𝐴𝐸 × 𝑑𝐴𝐶 | = √156 + (−54) + 72 = 6√901 𝑓𝑡
2

Solving for y:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐸 × 𝑑𝐴𝐶 | 6√901 𝑓𝑡 2
𝑦= = ≈ 12.01 𝑓𝑡
𝑑𝐴𝐶 15 𝑓𝑡