Solving Tension on Strings in Diagram

[max0005]

Homework Statement

Considering the following diagram:

[PLAIN]http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/6301/physx1.jpg

AC is a force being exerted on chords AB and AE of magnitude 600N. Chord AE is attached to to surface FD. Chord B is attached to a second surface of which no information is given.

Angle BAC is a right angle.

Angle AEF is 37°.

AC is parallel to FD.

Find the tension of AC onto the system. (Ie: On each cable.)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

If we elongate AF and AC such that:

[PLAIN]http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2485/physx2.png

We obtain that angle FEA is equal to angle HAG. (37°)

As such, HAG's complementary angle HAE must be 53°.

If we accept HA to be equal to -600N (Opposite but equal to AC) and EA and BA to be its two components then we should be able to resolve it by stating that:

Horizontal Force = Resultant Vector * cos(Angle)
Vertical Force = Reulstant Vector * sin(Angle)

However, I am confused as how to go on from here? Which is the horizontal and which is the vertical vector?

 

[PhanthomJay]

I'm not sure of your angles, but i assume that AE makes a 37 degree angle with the horizontal.
It is best to solve these problems by breaking up all applied forces and tension forces into their vertical and horizontal components, then sum forces in the horiz and vert direction = 0 to solve for the unknown tensions. This is preferred rather than breaking up the applied force into non perpendicular components.