Question

Eight people are involved in a tug-of-war. The blue team members pull the rope with the forces of 220 N, 340 N, 180 N, and 560 N. Three members of the red team pull it with the forces of 250N, 160 N, and 420 N. With what force must the fourth person pull the rope to maintain equilibrium?

Answer 1

The total force in each direction has to be the same.

The total force of the blue team is

(220 + 340 + 180 + 560) = 1,300 N

The three members of the red team add up to

(250 + 160 + 420) = 830 N

In order to exactly match the 1,300 N of the blue team,
the fourth red-team guy must contribute an additional

(1,300 - 830) = 470 N .