How to Calculate Force Needed to Support a Man and Platform in Mid-Air?

[wuffle]

Homework Statement

Find the magnitude F of the force that the man must pull up on the rope, in order to
support himself and the platform at a xed position in mid-air (the rope is attached to a
ceiling above the man). Solve for F for a man of arbitrary mass M, and a platform of
arbitrary mass m (which includes the mass of the pulley).

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

Obviously we should use F=ma and plug tension and normal force somewhere, I have no idea what and where to plug it in though, help!

 

[grzz]

Drawing a diagram is important. Then one can discuss the problem.
The important point here is to be very carefull to what part of the system F=ma is applied.

 

[issacnewton]

this kind of problem always has a diagram, please draw it or attach a copy