Two parts of a machine are held together by bolts that are initially tightened to

Two parts of a machine are held together by bolts that are initially tightened to provide a total imitial clamping force of 2,400 n. the stiffnesses are such that ke is five times kb (a) what external separating force would cause the clamping force to be reduced to 500 lb? (assume that the bolt remains within its elastic range.) (b) if this separating force is repeatedly applied and removed, what are the values of the mean force and the alternating force acting on the bolts?