Why Might Ay Be Bigger Than Ax in a Triangle?

[Make]

Homework Statement

The attached question(question 1) is in finnish, but you'll understand it no problem!;) The answers are given at the end of the text part of the question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Firstly, I'm wondering how can Ay be bigger than Ax even though the X side of the little triangle at the left end of the boom is 4 and Y is 3?

Secondly, why can't I write the equation for the x dimension as follows: $$\sum$$F= -400sin15+0,8A=0

 

[Redbelly98]

A is not a normal*** force. If it were, we'd have

A_x = 3/5 A​

A must act to balance the other forces that are present. Since the other forces are close to being vertical, A is closer to vertical than to horizontal.


*** "normal" means the force is perpendicular to the surface