To use the method of superposition to calculate a beam defection and slope.
for beams with small deflections, the assumptions for using the method of superposition apply: the deflections and slopes are linearly related to the load, and the deflections do not significantly change the original geometry of the beam.

the deflections and slopes for beams subjected to multiple loads can then be found using linear combinations of known results for individual loads.

use the two loadings below and the principle of superposition to answer the following questions.

determine the load combination a beam is subjected to the loading shown where w_a = 2 kn/m and w_b = 2.8 kn/m .

describe the loading as a linear combination of the loads in the above table.