$\backslash$#$1$

a$)$ Replace the shown force system $($two forces and a force couple$)$ with an equivalent resultant force $\backslash (\backslash$boldsymbol$\{$R$\}\backslash )$ placed at point $\backslash ($ A $\backslash )$ and a force couple $\backslash ($ M $\backslash ).$

b$)$ Place the resultant force $\backslash (\backslash$boldsymbol$\{$R$\}\backslash )$ at another location such that it alone is equivalent to the shown force system. $($That is$,$ so we do not also need to add a force couple.$)$ What is the horizontal distance from point $\backslash ($ A $\backslash )$ to the line of action of this solitary resultant force $\backslash (\backslash$boldsymbol$\{$R$\}\backslash )?$