How do you add 2 vectors? - Answers

Vector addition is commutative so you can start with either vector.The graphical solutions are quite simple.If the vectors are parallel, then their addition is the sum of the two vectors and acts in the same direction.If the vectors are anti-parallel, then their addition is the difference of the two vectors and acts in the direction of the larger vector.If the vectors are not parallel, draw them with their tails together. The complete the parallelogram using these as two of the sides. The addition of the vectors is the diagonal through the first vertex.Otherwise, (and more accurately),if you have vectors a and b inclined at angles p and q to the positive direction of the x axis, then the component of their sum along thehorizontal direction is s = a*cos(p) + b*cos(q)and the vertical component is t = a*sin(p) + b*sin(q)The magnitude of the resultant is sqrt(s2 + t2) and its direction is arctan(t/s) within the appropriate range.