How to Add Vectors

When presented with various vectors, and we're asked to add them up, how do we do it? Do we just add the length of the displacements together? If only it were that simple...

Here are the steps on how to add vectors.

1.) First, look at the equation given to you. If there are negatives (eg A - B), change it around so that it's adding the negative (eg A + (-B)). The negative only affects the direction of the vector, not the value. So if B was going East, negative B will be going West.

2.) If the vector is at a degree, change it so that it is represented by a horizontal x and a vertical y.

3.) Solve for x and y.

4.) Add up final x and final y with the Pythagorean therom.

5.) Use some simple trigonometry to solve for the angle.