Question

Determine the resultant and equilibrant of each pair of forces acting on an object:

f1 has a magnitude of 5 N acting due east, and f2 has a magnitude of 12 N
acting due north.

Answer 1

Okay, if we plot this on an XY Graph
We'll call "north" the Y-axis, and east the X-Axis. Draw an Arrow 12 units up the y axis. Draw another arrow 5 units right on the x-axis from the tip of the 12 N line.

The resultant is the arrow that connects the start of the Y arrow with the end of the x arrow.

A^2 + B^2 = C^3 (Pythagorean Theorem)
So Resultant = \[\sqrt{5^2 + 12^2}\]

Angle =
\[Tan (\theta) = y / x = 5 / 12 \]
Do the arc tangent to get the angle

Answer 2

You can also draw the arrows in the oppsoite order