Thread: parallelogram of forces problems, help

A load is to be moved using a small tractor and also a cable from a winch. Lack of space means that tractor and cable must pull in different directions. The tractor exerts a pull of 3kN due N. The winch cable pulls with a force of 10kN. If it is required to move the load towards the NW, what should be the direction of pull of the cable?

(What is its condition of using photo expressed?)

thanks.

This appears to be a homework problem. That being the case, we can help you with it, but first you must show how you have attempted to solve the problem on your own.

I don't understand the condition of the questions.
I think there is a force of 3kN of North that pull the body, and 10kN which pull the body but we don't know its direction.
Since we want to change the direction of 10kN in order to the load towards the NW, I think NW is 45 degrees W of N.
Is't right?

That's right. NW is 45 degrees west of due north. If you applied the 10 kN winch force directly to the west, the resultant force would be more west than north, because it is greater than the 3 kN force from the tractor pulling north. If you applied it in a northwesterly direction (45 degrees), the tractor would add some more northerly component, and the resultant force would be north of the desired direction. So, you will have to pull in a direction somewhat to the west of 45 degrees. Your mission is to calculate exactly which angle to apply the winch force.

Thanks.