Ron, think back to your statics course. Each bar load is like force in a freebody diagram. (it helps to draw a picture).
Are the elements connected end-to-end? In other words, the 2 or 4 elements form a line (connecting node 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5)? If so, the axial force will be the same in each element (assuming no intermediate axial loads are applied).
However, if they are connected in parallel (2 elements from node 1-2), then you have to add the forces together.
Ron, think back to your statics course. Each bar load is like force in a freebody diagram. (it helps to draw a picture).
Are the elements connected end-to-end? In other words, the 2 or 4 elements form a line (connecting node 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5)? If so, the axial force will be the same in each element (assuming no intermediate axial loads are applied).
However, if they are connected in parallel (2 elements from node 1-2), then you have to add the forces together.