Are Tensions Represented as Unit Vectors in Physics Problems?

[suspenc3]

Homework Statement

See Attachment

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Im just trying to figure out all of the forces, I am kinda confused about the whole T_{BDC} Do i just make these two separate tensions...and then add them together or something? Can someone explain how I should go about doing this? Also concerning the tensions, should I just make them into unit vectors...in i, j, and k components?

Im kinda new to these problems, any help would be appreciated..


Thanks

 

[AlephZero]

The cable BDC is continuous and there is a pulley at D. So the tension in the two parts BD and DC is the same.

Yes, you will need to resolve the tensions in the strings into their i j k components. That's how you represent the fact that the force must act along the length of the string, not in a different direction.