What does this mean

The two cables depicted below are in static equilibrium. Both cables wrap around separate

pulleys. The cables are connected by a scale that measures force as a linear function of spring

displacement. The scale is not in contact with anything else other than the cables. From each

cable hangs a weight of $100$ lb $.$

$($a$)$ What force is measured in the scale in the figure below? Explain.

$($b$)$ If the spring in the scale below is stretched $0\mathrm{.}5$ inches, what is the spring stiffness?

Cable $1$

Cable $2$

Scale

$100$ lb

Pulley