Two lifeguards pull on ropes attached ton a raft. If they pull in the same direction, the raft experiences a net external force of 341 N to the right. If they pull in opposite directions, the raft experiences a net external force of 170 N to the left. Find the magnitude of the Larger of the two individual forces. Answer in units of N.

What is the magnitude of the smaller of the two individual forces. Answer in units of N

To find the magnitude of the larger and smaller individual forces, we need to set up a system of equations based on the given information.

Let's assume that the force exerted by the first lifeguard is F1 and the force exerted by the second lifeguard is F2.

When they pull in the same direction, the raft experiences a net external force of 341 N to the right. This means the sum of the forces is equal to 341 N:
F1 + F2 = 341

When they pull in opposite directions, the raft experiences a net external force of 170 N to the left. In this case, the forces are subtracted:
F1 - F2 = -170

Now we have a system of two equations. We can solve these equations by adding them together or using any other method of solving simultaneous equations.

Adding the two equations, we get:
(F1 + F2) + (F1 - F2) = 341 + (-170)
2F1 = 171
F1 = 171/2 = 85.5 N

By substituting the value of F1 back into either of the original equations, we can find F2:
85.5 N + F2 = 341 N
F2 = 341 N - 85.5 N
F2 = 255.5 N

Therefore, the magnitude of the larger individual force is 255.5 N, and the magnitude of the smaller individual force is 85.5 N.