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- Jan 26, 2012
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Suppose there are point masses located at the points in the plane described by the vectors $v_1=<1,0>$, $v_2=<-1,1>$ and $v_3=<-1,-1>$. Find masses $m_1,m_2,m_3$ such that the center of mass is the origin of the plane given that the sum of these masses is 1.
Recall that the center of mass vector can be found by the following equation: \(\displaystyle c = \frac{m_1}{m}v_1+\frac{m_2}{m}v_2+\frac{m_3}{m}v_3\), where $m$ is the sum of the masses.
Hint:
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Recall that the center of mass vector can be found by the following equation: \(\displaystyle c = \frac{m_1}{m}v_1+\frac{m_2}{m}v_2+\frac{m_3}{m}v_3\), where $m$ is the sum of the masses.
Hint:
Since $m=1$ this is just solving a three variable system of equations. The fact that $m=1$ should be used twice.
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Remember to read the POTW submission guidelines to find out how to submit your answers!