Final answer:
Mike exerts approximately 563.82 N of force in the X direction when pulling the desk with a force of 600 N at a 20° angle.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the force Mike exerts in the X direction, we use the component form of force. Mike is pulling with a force of 600 N at an angle of 20° above the horizontal. To find the force in the X (horizontal) direction, we use the cosine function. Mike's force in the X direction (Fx) is given by: Fx = F * cos(θ) Fx = 600 N * cos(20°) Fx = 600 N * 0.9397 Fx = 563.82 N Therefore, the force that Mike exerts in the X direction is approximately 563.82 N, accounting for the horizontal component of the force exerted when pulling the desk.