How Do You Calculate Tension in a Cable and Compression in a Brace?

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To calculate the tension in the cable and the compression in the brace supporting a 235lb sign, a free body diagram is essential. The cable is inclined at 37 degrees, creating both x and y components of tension, while the brace provides compression along its length. By applying Newton's laws in both the x and y directions, one can solve for the unknowns. The calculated values for tension and compression are 390.5 and 311.9, respectively. Understanding vector components and equilibrium is crucial for solving this problem.
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Homework Statement


A 235lb sign is supported from a wall by a cable inclined 37 degrees with the horizontal, and a brace perpendicular to the wall. Find the tension in the cable and the compression in the boom.

The answers are 390.5 and 311.9. But I have no idea how they got to those numbers. :S

Homework Equations


No idea?


The Attempt at a Solution



Tried to find the x/y components of the vectors, but I'm confused now.
 
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copyfilew said:

Homework Statement


A 235lb sign is supported from a wall by a cable inclined 37 degrees with the horizontal, and a brace perpendicular to the wall. Find the tension in the cable and the compression in the boom.

The answers are 390.5 and 311.9. But I have no idea how they got to those numbers. :S

Homework Equations


No idea?


The Attempt at a Solution



Tried to find the x/y components of the vectors, but I'm confused now.
One way is to draw a free body diagram of the sign and identify the forces acting on it ...its weight down, the cable tension along the length of the cable (which has an x and a y component), and the brace compression along its length (x component only). Then use Newton 1 inthe x and y direction to solve for the components.
 

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