Statics - Moment using scalar analysis

[EtherealMonkey]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss356/EtherealMonkey/Statics/Statics4.png

2. Relevant equations

I think that I need to find the moment of the force F about the line BC first.

Then, using that moment, find the "projection" of M_{BC} onto the X axis to find the answer. M_{BC}\sin \left(45^{o}\right)

However, I am not getting anything near the solution value.

3. The attempt at a solution

My only attempt at solving this that came close to correct was to use the distance from point B to F. That was obviously wrong (but yielded 20 lb - which was extremely close to the 20.2 given by the author.)

(I know that is wrong...) As soon as I sat the problem down to go to the next one, I immediately realized my method was incorrect, but I have tried and tried to get a correct answer and nothing has yielded in 1.5 hrs, so I digress.

I have a test this afternoon, so I cannot waste a lot of time on one that is holding me up. Two more chapters to review...

Any hints will be great!

TIA

[PhanthomJay]

The moment of a force about the x axis is F_zy + F_yz. Since only F_z is acting, there is no F_y term, so you just have to compute the y distance (the perpendicular distance from the x axis to the line of action of the force). You need to watch your geometry and trig to get the corect y value which yields the correct answer of F = 20.2 N.m.