How do you determine the sign of force components in statics?

[TreePerson]

Homework Statement

[URL]http://www.mypicx.com/uploadimg/1510974339_04192010_1.png[/URL]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

i've got everything i just can't understand how you figure whether the 17.0 and 3.5 are negative or positive, can someone tell me how you figure this?

 

[rl.bhat]

Homework Statement

[URL]http://www.mypicx.com/uploadimg/1510974339_04192010_1.png[/URL]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

i've got everything i just can't understand how you figure whether the 17.0 and 3.5 are negative or positive, can someone tell me how you figure this?

Where is the text of the problem?