No idea how to start this tension/cable problem

[tatsalez]

I'm having a really hard time figuring out where to start this problem, let alone finish it. Can anyone help me through it? I attached a scanned picture of the problem.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Doc Al]

It's a problem in static equilibrium. What must the net force equal in any direction?

Draw a free body diagram of the sign, indicating all forces acting on it.

 

[mrplanck]

Okay, what's the basic effect that causes all the forces? Gravitation, of course, ha?
Now as a first step find out the gravitational force acting on the sign!
Then you know that the two cables are holding the sign, so they have to hold the whole gravitational force! How do you split up the force? It's not a simple addition...