Question

I’m so confused. Need the help

Answer 1

1.621 kN

Explanation:

Let the centerline of the canal be the x-axis. Because the forces exerted by the horses are symmetric to the centerline, only the x-components of these forces contribute to the resultant force on the barge, i.e., the y-components cancel out. Each x-component is equal to
`F_x = 839\cos 15` = 810.4 N. Therefore, the resultant force on the barge is twice this:

`F_(net) = 2(839\:\text{N})\cos 15 = 1620.8\:\text{N}`

`= 1.621\:\text{kN}`