Senior High School – Grade 12

Science (Specialized Subject)

3 Vectors

Galileo said, “the laws of nature are written in the

language of Mathematics, the symbols are triangles,
circles, and other geometrical figures. If you want to
learn about nature, it is necessary to understand the
language that she speaks.”
Mathematics is the language of our physical
universe. Perhaps, it is the math that makes the
subject Physics very difficult. Thus, in this module,
we are going to review on the basic trigonometry and
algebra concepts and use it in solving physical
quantities which cannot be obtained by direct
process of measurements.
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Solve problems applying trigonometric functions, Pythagorean theorem, cosine law,
and sine law
2. Differentiate vector from scalar quantities
3. Perform addition of vectors
4. Rewrite a vector in component form

Highlights
Lesson 2: Trigonometry & Algebra
1. Definition of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent
2. Law of Cosine and Law of Sine
Lesson 3: Vectors
1. Scalar and Vector Quantity
2. Vector Addition and Subtraction
Mayon Volcano
Lustan, E.(2020, July 1). Mayon Volcano. Inquirer.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1308129/phivolcs-lowers-mayon-volcano-alert-level
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Quantities in Physics maybe classified as either a scalar quantity or a vector quantity.

Scalar Quantity
Scalar quantities are quantities that can be described completely by their magnitudes and
appropriate units. These quantities are quantities which have no associated direction to their
description. Common examples of scalar quantities are distance, speed, mass, and temperature.

Vector Quantity
Vector quantities are quantities that are completely described with the magnitude and its
appropriate units, as well as the direction. Common examples of vector quantities are, velocity,
force, displacements, and acceleration.

Let us have an example to differentiate the two. Look at the situations below where distance and
displacement compered. Which do you think represents a scalar and which is a vector quantity?

Distance Displacement

6 km

A car is traversing a 6 km A car is traversing a 6 km

road road due East

Looking at our example, it was clear that distance is a scalar quantity. Although the magnitude
is given, that information did not give us a hint to which direction is the car moving. On-the-other-
hand, displacement is a vector quantity because it does not only represent the magnitude of the
quantity but as well as the direction of that magnitude. So in our illustration, the displacement of the
car tells you about the position of the car and to what direction did the car travelled.
The same principle is applied to other quantities. If you can apply direction to the
description of a quantity, then that is a vector quantity.
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

The following are some examples of the different scalar and vector quantities.

Scalar Quantities Vector Quantities

Mass Weight
Temperature Velocity
Speed Force
Time Displacement
Work Acceleration
Energy Momentum
Distance Torque

Vector quantities are represented by an arrow head. the direction of the arrow indicates the
direction of the quantity. The length of the arrow is scaled to be proportional to the magnitude of the
vector quantity it represents.

Vector quantities are denoted by a letter (usually a capital letter) with an arrow head above the
letter or a boldface letter.

The magnitude of a vector is represented by a lightface letter without an arrow on top or a

symbol of a vector with vertical signs on both sides.
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

The direction of a vector is the acute angle it creates with the East-West line. Take note that
acute angles are angles less than 90 degrees and in this case it is measured with respect to the x-
axis or the East-West line.

Direction of Vector. The direction of a vector is based on the East - West Line

The letter N (north) and S (south) is written after the measure of the angle followed by the
phrase “of E” for east and “of W” for west.

Example: the direction of 60O south of west can be written as

60O S of W
This means that starting from west, you go south by 60 degrees.
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Let us study the graph below.

The direction of vectors A and B are

⃗ 𝒊𝒔 𝟑𝟎° 𝑵 𝒐𝒇 𝑬
𝑨
⃗𝑩
⃗ 𝒊𝒔 𝟒𝟓° 𝑺 𝒐𝒇 𝑾

Specify the direction of the vectors A, B, C, and D.

Direction of Vectors:

⃗ 𝒊𝒔 _______________
𝑨
⃗𝑩
⃗ 𝒊𝒔 _______________

⃗ 𝒊𝒔 _______________
𝑪
⃗𝑫
⃗ 𝒊𝒔 _______________
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

If we are given a vector such that vector A is directed 30O N of E, how do we graphically represent
this vector?
Step 1: Create a cartesian plane and identify to which quadrant in the cartesian plane will
the vector lies using the given direction of the vector.
Step 2: Using a protractor, measure and mark the angle with respect to the x- axis (or
along the East-West line).
Step 3: draw a line connecting the point of origin with the markings of the measured angle.
If magnitude is given, measure it to scale.

Let’s watch this short video to review on how to use a protractor.

Familiarization of the Cartesian plane is also necessary in creating the diagram of vectors. Below
is a short review of the cartesian plane.

A cartesian plane is divided by the intersecting lines of x-

and y-axes.

The vertical line represents the y-axis, while the horizontal

line represents the x-axis.

One complete revolution from positive x-axis to positive x-

axis creates a 360O angle.

Quadrant I is where both positive y- and x- coordinates

(x, y) is found

Quadrant II is where positive y- and negative x-

coordinates (-x, y) is found

Quadrant III is where both negative y- and x- coordinates

(-x, -y) is found

Quadrant IV is where positive x- and negative y-

coordinates (x, -y) is found
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

So, to answer the question, “how do we graphically represent vector A is directed 30O N of E?” let
us do the following:

Step 1. Draw a cartesian plane and identify to which Step 2. Using a protractor locate then mark the reference
quadrant will the direction is located angle

⃗⃗ is 30O N of E
Vector 𝑨

Step 3. Using a ruler connect the point of origin to the

marked angled then label the vector.
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Draw a diagram of the following vectors in a cartesian plane.

1. A is 78O S of E
2. B is 39O N of W
3. C is 15O S of W

Finding the direction of vectors which angles are in standard form

What if the given vector has no specified direction of North, East, West, and South, and what if the
angle given is not measured with respect to the x-axis, how do we create the diagram and how can
we find the direction of the vector?
Example: Find the direction of the vectors F, A, N, and S which are described by the following
angles,
1. F is 85O
2. A is 125O
3. N is 220O
4. S is 315O

Solution: Remember that 1 revolution in the cartesian coordinate is equivalent to 360O angle.
If we apply this to our cartesian plane, we have
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

The given angles in our problem are called a standard angle following the 360O angle of 1 revolution.
Thus, it is important to take note that if the given angle is a standard angle, we need to look for the
reference angle. Reference angle is the smallest positive acute angle with respect to the horizontal
axis. The following are the equations to solve for the reference angle.

Standard Angle 𝜽 Reference Angle 𝜽𝒓 Location

𝜽 < 𝟗𝟎° 𝜽𝒓 = 𝜽 Quadrant I (N of E)

𝟗𝟎° < 𝜽 < 𝟏𝟖𝟎° 𝜽𝒓 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎° − 𝜽 Quadrant II (N of W)

𝟏𝟖𝟎° < 𝜽 < 𝟐𝟕𝟎° 𝜽𝒓 = 𝜽 − 𝟏𝟖𝟎° Quadrant III (S of W)

𝜽 > 𝟐𝟕𝟎° 𝜽𝒓 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎° − 𝜽 Quadrant IV (S of E)

1. F is 85O
𝟖𝟓° < 𝟗𝟎° therefore, vector F is located in Quadrant I. To solve for the reference angle use

𝜽𝒓 = 𝜽
since the given angle is less than 90O, the reference angle is equal to the given angle.

𝜽𝒓 = 𝟖𝟓°
You can now draw and locate the vector in the cartesian plane.

⃗ is 85O N of E
Vector 𝑭
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

2. A is 125O
𝟗𝟎° < 𝟏𝟐𝟓° < 𝟏𝟖𝟎 therefore, vector A is located in Quadrant II. To solve for the reference
angle use

𝜽𝒓 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎° − 𝜽
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎° − 𝟏𝟐𝟓°
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟓𝟓°
You can now draw and locate the vector in the cartesian plane.

⃗ is 55O N of W
Vector 𝑨

3. N is 220O
𝟏𝟖𝟎° < 𝟐𝟐𝟎° < 𝟐𝟕𝟎° therefore, vector N is located in Quadrant III. To solve for the reference
angle use

𝜽𝒓 = 𝜽 − 𝟏𝟖𝟎°
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟐𝟐𝟎° − 𝟏𝟖𝟎°
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟒𝟎°
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities
You can now draw and locate the vector in the cartesian plane.

⃗⃗ is 40O S of W
Vector 𝑵

4. S is 315O
𝟑𝟏𝟓° > 𝟐𝟕𝟎° therefore, vector S is located in Quadrant IV. To solve for the reference angle use

𝜽𝒓 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎° − 𝜽
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎° − 𝟑𝟏𝟓°
𝜽𝒓 = 𝟒𝟓°
You can now draw and locate the vector in the cartesian plane.

⃗⃗ is 40O S of W
Vector 𝑵
3.1 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Draw a diagram of the following vectors.

4. A is 168O
5. B is 275O
6. C is 104O

Vector has a magnitude, and if a magnitude is given, we write it using a lightface letter or the
symbol of vector enclosed in vertical bars. If the numerical value is given, we write the value.

In symbol: ⃗⃗ |
A or |𝑨
Example:

⃗⃗ is N 40O S of W
Vector 𝑵
⃗⃗ is 25 km 40O S of W
Vector 𝑵

1. Equal Vectors. Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and direction.

2. Parallel Vectors. Two vectors are parallel if they have the same direction but may have different
magnitude.

3. Antiparallel Vectors. Two vectors are antiparallel if they have the angle between the vectors is
180O or they are pointing towards the polar opposite of each other.
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

4. Noncollinear Vectors. Two vectors are noncollinear if they are on the same plane but not acting
on the same line of action. These vectors are separated by an angle that is not equal to 0 o and
180o.

Scalar quantities follow the rules of algebra on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division.
For instance:
▪ Mark walks 6 km and goes back 5 km. if we are to add the magnitudes 6 km and 5 km
we will get 11 km.

6 km + 5 km = 11 km

▪ The sum 11 km is a scalar quantity since it does not take into account the direction to
which Mark travelled.

On the other hand, vector quantities are treated in a different way. The directions must be
taken into consideration when adding, subtracting, and multiplying vectors. Using the same
example,
For instance:
▪ Suppose Mark walks 6 km East and goes back 5 km West. If we are to add the
magnitudes 6 km East and 5 km West, The sum will be 1 km East

▪ The sum 1 km is a vector quantity since it takes into account the direction to which Mark
travelled. In this example the sum 1 km will take East as its direction because the
magnitude of the eastward direction is greater compared to the westward direction.

In adding vectors, the sum of two or more vectors is called the resultant vector. The direction
of the resultant takes the direction of the vector with greater magnitude.
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Add the following force vectors

Our previous examples demonstrate how to add colinear vectors. But how about adding
vectors whose lines of action are not the same, how do we add non-colinear vectors and how do we
determine its direction?
Adding non-colinear vectors are more complex compared to adding colinear vectors.
Remember that non-colinear vectors are separated by an angle that is greater than 0 o and less than
180o – that is, the angle between vectors is either 90 o, acute (𝜃 < 90°), or obtuse ((𝜃 > 90°). In
these cases we use the following methods of vector addition.

Methods of Vector Addition

1. Graphical Method
- Graphical method of vector addition involves drawing vectors on a graph and adding them
using the head to tail method.
- The resultant vector R is defined by Vector A + Vector B = R
- The magnitude and direction of the resultant vector R are determined using a ruler and a
protractor.
- There are two ways of doing graphical method of vector addition, these are as follows:

a. Parallelogram method
b. Polygon method
c.

3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

2. Analytical Method
- The analytical method of vector addition involves using the Pythagorean theorem and
trigonometric identities to determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector R.
- The following are the different ways of performing analytical method of vector addition

a. Pythagorean Theorem
b. Cosine and Sine Law
c. Component Method

Take note that Sine and Cosine Law is useful only if two vectors are to be added. Meanwhile,
parallelogram, polygon, and component methods are useful when adding two or more vectors. The
Pythagorean theorem is used whenever the situation presents right angles between vectors.

Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition

According to Parallelogram law of vector addition,
if two vectors (vector A and vector B) represent two
sides of a parallelogram in magnitude and direction,
then their sum is equal to the diagonal of the
parallelogram through their common point in magnitude
and direction.

A + B =R Parallelogram Method
Source: https://xaktly.com/MathVectors.html

Steps in Performing Parallelogram Method of Vector Addition

1. Assign a scale to represent the unit of the vectors
2. Draw/locate the given vectors. Place both vectors A and B at the same initial point. It is helpful
to utilize the cartesian plane as a reference for the graph – where the point of origin serves
as the initial point.
3. Complete the parallelogram
4. Draw the diagonal of the parallelogram from the initial point. The diagonal is the resultant
vector A + B
5. Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector R
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction
Sample Problem:
Two forces are acting on a particle. Force A is 3.0 N directed north and force B is 4.0 N 30o north of
east. Find the resultant force using the parallelogram method.
Solutions:
Step 1: let’s suppose that every 1 cm in our ruler represents 1 N – so that the scale will be 1cm:1 N

Step 2 to 5: Sketch the vector then determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.
The following video shows the step-by-step process of parallelogram method.

Solution to Sample Problem

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DMKgyqX_9w
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Problem: Displacement vector A is 4.5 km north. Displacement vector B

is 3.0 km N of W. Find their resultant using parallelogram method.

Polygon Law of Vector Addition

According to Polygon law of vector addition, if a
number of vectors are represented, in magnitude and
direction, by the sides of an incomplete polygon taken in
order, then their resultant is denoted by the closing side
of the polygon in magnitude and direction, taken in the
opposite order.

A + B =R Polygon Method
Source: https://xaktly.com/MathVectors.html

The polygon method utilizes the tip-to-tail (or head-to-tail) method. Take note that the only two
important things about vector is its magnitude and direction. Therefore, we can move any vector to
any location in the plane and, as long as we don’t change its magnitude and direction, it remains
the same vector.
Adding vectors by polygon method means to move one vector so that its tail lies on the head
(tip) of the first vector. The resultant vector R – which is the sum of the given vectors (i.e. A + B),
is the closing vector drawn from the origin (initial point) of the first vector and to the arrow head of
the last vector.
Here are the steps in performing polygon method of vector addition.

Steps in Performing Polygon Method of Vector Addition

1. Assign a scale to represent the unit of the vectors
2. Draw/locate the given vectors. Place the vectors with the head of the first vector connected to
the tail of the successive vector. Perform this to all the given vectors
3. Close the polygon by sketching the resultant vector starting from the initial point with its arrow
head connected to the arrow head of the last vector.
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction
4. Using a ruler and protractor, determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

Sample Problem #1:

Using the same problem. Two forces are acting on a particle. Force A is 3.0 N directed north and
force B is 4.0 N 30o north of east. Find the resultant force using the parallelogram method.

Solutions:
Step 1: let’s suppose that every 1 cm in our ruler represents 1 N – so that the scale will be 1cm:1 N

Step 2 to 4: Sketch the vector then determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.
The following video shows the step-by-step process of polygon method.

Source: https://youtu.be/qwkP4WqjRs4

Any number of vectors can be added using the polygon method by just chaining them together,
arrow of the current vector to origin of the next, and drawing in the vector R as the closing vector of
the polygon.
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Problem: Displacement vector A is 4.5 km north. Displacement vector B

is 3.0 km N of W. Find their resultant using polygon method.

Addition of More than Two Vectors

Adding more than two vectors can be done graphically using both the parallelogram and polygon
method. But, compared to polygon method, parallelogram method is more difficult. That is why,
when adding more than two vectors, it is more convenient to use the polygon method of vector
addition.
First take note that vector addition is commutative. Meaning, the change in the order of the
vectors to be added does not change the sum of the vectors or the value of the resultant. Let’s take
the following diagram as an example. Given three vectors, the sum will be the same regardless of
the order of the vectors to be added.

Vector Addition is Commutative

Source: https://xaktly.com/MathVectors.html
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction
Sample Problem #2:
Four vectors show the direction of forces acting on a body. Determine the magnitude and the
direction of the resultant if:
F1 = 10 N 45o N of E F3 = 6 N E
F2 = 5 N 10o S of E F4 = 6 N 20o S of W

FR = unknown
Use the scale 0.5 cm: 1 N

Solutions:
Step 1: let’s suppose that every 0.5 cm in our ruler represents 1 N – so that the scale will be 0.5 cm:1 N

Step 2 to 4: Sketch the vector then determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.
The following video shows the step-by-step process of polygon method.

. Source: https://youtu.be/bdCbEPLKSPI
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Problem: A particle is being acted upon by the following forces: F 1 = 4.0 N East,
F2 = 6.0 N North of East, F3 = 8.0 N South. Find the resultant of the vectors by
polygon method. (let 0.5 cm: 1 N)

Component Method of Vector Addition

The component method is one of the analytical
method of vector addition. It is described as the
standard way of adding vectors where if C = A + B, then

Cx = Ax + Bx
C y = Ay + B y

The components of a vector are scalar quantities,

Component Method
thus we need to look for these scalar components in Source: https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/vector-
component.html
order to perform the component method of vector
addition
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Resolution of Vectors
A single vector is usually divided into vectors that are
perpendicular to each other. These two vectors are called
components and the process of splitting the vectors into its
components is called resolution. The components are normally Vy
along the x- and y- axes of the rectangular coordinate system. The
component along the x-axis is called the horizontal component,
while the component along the y-axis is called the vertical
component. To represent the horizontal and vertical component Vx
of vector V, we use Vx and Vy, respectively (see figure 4).
Figure4. Components of Vector V

To resolve a vector into its horizontal and vertical

components, we use the different trigonometric equations.
Thus, when the length of a vector and its angle is given, we
can solve for the value of the lengths of its components. Using
the right triangles drawn by the dashed line (see figure 5), it’s easy
to see that

from these equations, we can derive the relationship that

would help us solve for the value of the horizontal component
Vx and the vertical component Vy.
Figure 5. Use of trigonometric
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑽 cos ( 𝜃) equations for resolving vectors

𝑉𝑦 = 𝑽 sin ( 𝜃)

Sample Problem:
A person walks 5.0 m in the direction of 37o N of E. How
far north and how far east had he walked?
Solutions:
⃗ represent the vector to be resolve; let Dx and
Step 1: let 𝐷
Dy represent the components
Step 2: Draw a diagram representing the vector (see figure 6)
Step 3: Solve for the value of Dx and Dy using the derived
trigonometric equation Figure 6
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Solving for the horizontal component Dx

𝐷𝑥 = 𝑫 cos ( 𝜃)
𝐷𝑥 = 𝟓. 𝟎 𝒎 cos ( 37°)

𝐷𝑥 = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟗 𝒎 ≈ 𝟒. 𝟎 𝒎

Solving for the vertical component Dy

𝐷𝑦 = 𝑫 sin ( 𝜃)

𝐷𝑦 = 𝟓. 𝟎 𝒎 sin ( 37°)

𝐷𝑦 = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟏 𝒎 ≈ 𝟑. 𝟎 𝒎

Problem: Vector A of magnitude 5.0 N has a horizontal component of 2.0 N.

Find the angle that vector A makes with the horizontal. Determine also the
vertical component of vector A.
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Now that we know how to resolve a vector into its components, we can now perform addition of
vectors using component method. The following are the steps in performing component method.

1. Resolve the given vectors into its horizontal and vertical components. Take note that the
components may be positive or negative depending on which quadrant the vector is found.

Table 1 Signs of X and Y in different Quadrants

Quadrants x y
1 + +
2 - +
3 - -
4 + -

2. Get the algebraic sum of the horizontal components

3. Get the algebraic sum of the vertical components

*take note that the sums represent the horizontal and the vertical component of the resultant.

4. Since the horizontal and vertical components are perpendicular, the magnitude of the
resultant may be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.

𝟐 𝟐
𝑹 = √(∑ 𝒙) + (∑ 𝒚)

5. From the sign of the sum of the horizontal components and the vertical components,
determine the quadrant where the resultant is. This will indicate the direction of the resultant
vector.
6. Solve for the angle 𝜃 the resultant makes with the horizontal using the arctan or the inverse of
tangent.

∑𝒚 ∑𝒚
𝜽 = 𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏 |∑ 𝒙| or 𝜽 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 |∑ 𝒙|

∑𝒚
Note: | | means absolute value
∑𝒙
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Sample Problem:
A jogger runs 4.00 m 40.0o N of E, 2.00 m E, 5.20 m 30.0o S of W, 6.50 m S, and then stops. Find
the resultant displacement.
Solutions:
Steps 1: Resolve the vectors into its horizontal and vertical components. Since we have four vectors,
it is helpful to represent its components into a tabular form.
- Let’s suppose that the vectors are vectors D1, D2, D3, and D4 respectively. The sign of the
vectors depend on the location of the vectors in the cartesian plane.
- To look for the horizontal components of the given vectors substitute the equation
𝑉𝑥 = 𝑽 cos ( 𝜃) with the given magnitudes and directions (angles)

Solving for the Horizontal components

𝐷𝑥1 = 𝑫𝟏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 𝜃) 𝐷𝑥2 = 𝑫𝟐 cos ( 𝜃)

𝐷𝑥1 = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎 cos ( 40°) 𝐷𝑥2 = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎 cos ( 0°)

𝐷𝑥1 = +𝟑. 𝟎𝟔 𝒎 𝐷𝑥2 = +𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎

𝐷𝑥3 = 𝑫𝟑 cos ( 𝜃) 𝐷𝑥4 = 𝑫𝟒 cos ( 𝜃)

𝐷𝑥3 = −𝟓. 𝟐𝟎 𝒎 cos ( 30°) 𝐷𝑥4 = −𝟔. 𝟓𝟎 𝒎 cos ( 90°)
𝐷𝑥3 = −𝟒. 𝟓𝟎 𝒎 𝐷𝑥4 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎

Solving for the Vertical components

𝐷𝑦1 = 𝑫𝟏 sin ( 𝜃) 𝐷𝑦2 = 𝑫𝟐 sin ( 𝜃)

𝐷𝑦1 = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎 sin ( 40°) 𝐷𝑦2 = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎 sin ( 0°)

𝐷𝑦1 = +𝟐. 𝟓𝟕 𝒎 𝐷𝑦2 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎 𝒎

𝐷𝑦3 = 𝑫𝟑 sin ( 𝜃) 𝐷𝑦4 = 𝑫𝟒 sin ( 𝜃)

𝐷𝑦3 = −𝟓. 𝟐𝟎 𝒎 sin ( 30°) 𝐷𝑦4 = −𝟔. 𝟓𝟎 𝒎 sin ( 90°)

𝐷𝑦3 = −𝟐. 𝟔𝟎 𝒎 𝐷𝑦4 = −𝟔. 𝟓𝟎 𝒎

3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Steps 2 & 3: Get the algebraic sum of the horizontal components, and the algebraic sum of the
vertical components.

Horizontal Vertical Components

Vectors
Components Dx Dy
o
D1 = 4.00 m 40.0 N of E +3.06 m +2.57 m
D2 = 2.00 m E +2.00 m 0.00
D3 = 5.20 m 30.0o S of W - 4.50 m - 2.60 m
D4 = 6.50 m S 0.00 - 6.50 m
∑ ∑ 𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟎 𝒎 ∑ 𝒚 = −𝟔. 𝟓𝟑 𝒎

Steps 4: Solve for the magnitude of the resultant using the Pythagorean theorem.

𝟐 𝟐
𝑹 = √(∑ 𝒙) + (∑ 𝒚)

𝑹 = √(𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟎𝒎)𝟐 + (−𝟔. 𝟓𝟑𝒎)𝟐

𝑹 = √𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟑𝟔𝒎𝟐 + 𝟒𝟐. 𝟔𝟒𝟎𝟗𝒎𝟐

𝑹 = √𝟒𝟐. 𝟗𝟓𝟒𝟓 𝒎𝟐

𝑹 = 𝟔. 𝟓𝟓 𝒎

Steps 5: Solve for the magnitude of the resultant using the Pythagorean theorem.

∑𝒚
𝜽 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 | |
∑𝒙
−𝟔. 𝟓𝟑𝒎
𝜽 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 | |
𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟎𝒎
𝜽 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧−𝟏 |𝟏𝟏. 𝟔𝟔𝟏|

𝜽 = 𝟖𝟓. 𝟏°
3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Since ∑ 𝑥 is positive and ∑ 𝑦 is negative, the resultant must be in the fourth quadrant. Hence,
the direction must be 85.1o S of E. So R is 6.55 m 85.1o S of E. the diagram below illustrates the
graphical representation of resultant vector R.

The video below explains the solution to our sample problem.

3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction

Problem: Four vectors show the direction of forces acting on a body. Using
component method of vector addition, determine the magnitude and the
direction of the resultant if:

F1 = 10 N 45o N of E F3 = 6 N E
F2 = 5 N 10o S of E F4 = 6 N 20o S of W

▪ Vectors and Scalar Quantities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTJ-hW2TVwE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml4NSzCQobk

▪ Drawing Vector Diagrams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fLtkNe2Dt0

▪ Using Protractors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jb8HcL-dzg
Cutnell, J. & Johnson, K. (2009). Physics, 8th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silverio, A.A.(2007). Exploring Life through Science: Physics. Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Elert, G. (2021). The Physics Hypertextbook. Physics.ifo. https://physics.info/vector-components/practice.shtml
TED-Ed.(2016, September 23). What is a Vector?-David Hyun [video file]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml4NSzCQobk
Khan Academy.(2011, June 12).Intro to Vectors and Scalars | One-dimensional motion | Physics| Khan
Academy [video file]. YouTube. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ihNZlp7iUHE
The Organic Chemistry Tutor. (2017, August 1). Scalars and Vectors [video file]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcDXQ-5H8mk