Triangle of forces or resolving

[TheFly]

I've been doing some M1 questions with 3 forces acting on a particle and my teacher says resolve or use the triangle of forces when it is in equilibrium. Whatever is easier.

Is there anyway of telling when to use the triangle of forces or when to resolve?

[ExamSolutions]

I've been doing some M1 questions with 3 forces acting on a particle and my teacher says resolve or use the triangle of forces when it is in equilibrium. Whatever is easier.

Is there anyway of telling when to use the triangle of forces or when to resolve?

Both methods will work but it is generally easier to draw a triangle of forces if the problem involves finding an angle so you can then use the sine or cosine rule to find the angle and any forces.

Resolve generally when you are trying to find a force and not an unknown angle.

Hope this helps.