Search SchoolNGR

Thursday, 02 July 2026
Register . Login

The magnitude of a force \(xi + 15j\) is 17N. Find the : (a) possible values of x ; (b) ...

The magnitude of a force \(xi + 15j\) is 17N. Find the :
(a) possible values of x ;
(b) directions of the forces, correct to the nearest degree.
Take Free Practice Test On 2026 JAMB UTME, Post UTME, WAEC SSCE, GCE, NECO SSCE
    Correct Answer: Option n
    Explanation:



    (a) \(F = xi + 15j\)
    \(|F| = \sqrt{x^{2} + 15^{2}} = 17\)
    \(x^{2} = 17^{2} - 15^{2} = 64\)
    \(x = \pm \sqrt{64} = \pm 8\)
    \(x = 8 ; x = -8\)
    (b)
    \(\tan \alpha = \frac{15}{8} = 1.875\)
    \(\alpha = \tan^{-1} (1.875) = 61.9° \approxeq 62°\)
    \(\tan \beta = \frac{15}{-8} = -1.875\)
    \(\beta = \tan^{-1} (-1.875) = -61.9°\)
    = \(180° - 61.9° = 118.1° \approxeq 118°\)
    Directions of forces are 62° and 118° each with the positive x- axis.

    Share question on: