1.621 kN
Step-by-step explanation:
Let the centerline of the canal be the x-axis. Because the forces exerted by the horses are symmetric to the centerline, only the x-components of these forces contribute to the resultant force on the barge, i.e., the y-components cancel out. Each x-component is equal to [tex]F_x = 839\cos 15[/tex] = 810.4 N. Therefore, the resultant force on the barge is twice this:
[tex]F_{net} = 2(839\:\text{N})\cos 15 = 1620.8\:\text{N}[/tex]
[tex]= 1.621\:\text{kN}[/tex]
