Like parallel forces: determine magnitudes from resultant position Two like parallel forces act 24 mm apart; their resultant is 20 N. The resultant's line of action is 6 mm from one of the forces. Find the two forces.

Given data

• Separation d = 24 mm; resultant R = 20 N.
• Resultant is x = 6 mm from one force (take from the smaller unknown without loss of generality).

Concept/Approach

• Along the line joining the forces, position of the resultant satisfies: x = (F₂ · d)/(F₁ + F₂) with R = F₁ + F₂.

Step-by-step calculation
6 = (F₂ · 24)/20 → F₂ = (6 × 20)/24 = 5 N.F₁ = R − F₂ = 20 − 5 = 15 N.

Verification
Moment about F₁: R × 6 = 120 N·mm equals F₂ × 24 = 120 N·mm ✔

Final Answer
15 N and 5 N