9709 P43 - Nov 2014 - Q3
3656
Each of three light inextensible strings has a particle attached to one of its ends. The other ends of the strings are tied together at a point O. Two of the strings pass over fixed smooth pegs and the particles hang freely in equilibrium. The weights of the particles and the angles between the sloping parts of the strings and the vertical are as shown in the diagram. It is given that \(\sin \beta = 0.8\) and \(\cos \beta = 0.6\).
(i) Show that \(W \cos \alpha = 3.8\) and find the value of \(W \sin \alpha\).
(ii) Hence find the values of \(W\) and \(\alpha\).
