Calculating Tension in Cables: 1000N Beam with 2000N Filing Cabinet

[astru025]

Homework Statement

A 1000N beam is loaded with a 2000N filing cabinet and supported by two cables. If the beam is 8 meters long and the filing cabinet is 2 meters from the left cable, what is the tension force in each cable?

Homework Equations

T= F /d

The Attempt at a Solution

For the left cable I tried T= 2000 N / 2 m. This answer was incorrect though.

 

[tiny-tim]

hi astru025!

What point did you take moments about?

 

[astru025]

I wasn't sure what point to take moments about... So I didn't take my moments about any certain point. What point should I use? And also I'm not very familiar with the point subject... It is no where in my notes/ or book.

 

[Tornado Dragon]

Could you elaborate on the question more or is that just given? Plus could you show what you tired to do along with what was said at the back of the book?

edit: Also any angles given or the dimenssion of the cabinent in question?

 

[tiny-tim]

... So I didn't take my moments about any certain point.

ahhh … that explains it!

ok, take moments (of all forces) about the right-hand end of the beam

show us what you get ​

(we'll discuss why to choose that point when you've done it)