Statics problem. Cable with distributed load

[ThewyBenner]

Homework Statement

can someone please help and explain to me how to do this problem? all the data is in the picture above.

Homework Equations

i am not entirely sure which equations i should use. i know one possible equation is T=((T_o)^(2)+(wy)^(2))^(1/2)

The Attempt at a Solution

with the one equation that i know, i can say that point 1 is not the bottom of the parabola.
past that i need help
Any help would be appreciated
i have been stuck for about a day and a half and just don't know where to start.

Thank you so much

 

[CWatters]

I haven't tried to solve it all (not sure I can) but try drawing a free body diagram for the rope showing the horizontal forces. I think it's possible to work out the angle the rope makes at the bottom if that helps.

 

[pongo38]

You know the forces at the ends of the cable. You know those forces are tangential to the cable ends. You know the drag. That makes 3 forces. If they are in equilibrium they must all meet at one point. You don't have enough information about the cable self-weight to take account of that. Can you do it graphically with a triangle of forces?

 

[ThewyBenner]

thanks both of you for the help. my proffessor just walked through the derivation today in class. . . I don't know why he assiNed the problem so early. . .
thanks again