Observations:

a.) From the figure below member rotates clockwise direction from the reference line
about support "a" or about "b".
b.) Now, the moment at each support rotates counter-clockwise directions to compensate the
clockwise rotations of the member.

clockwise
Ma
Mb
a
counter-clockwise
counter-clockwise clockwise
c.) Therefore; the sign of relative rotation to the equation is negative. this sign
follows the sign of moment at support.
(counter-clockwise)
Lab = Lba = -(3)100 (3)0.1
4500 or - 4.5
450kN/m
MEMBER cd or dc

d
c
4.00 1.00
Therefore:
Reference line
clockwise
Mc counter-clockwise Md
clockwise

counter-clockwise
d
c Reference line
4.00 1.00
(clockwise)
Lcd = Ldc = (3)50
5000 or
(3)0.05
5

MEMBER bc or cb

300kN/m

Reference line
clockwise
counter-clockwise
clockwise
counter-clockwise
c
b
Reference line
6.00

(clockwise)
Lbc = Lcb = (3)75
5000 or
(3)0.075
5