Consider two vectors #A=3i - 1j# and #B = - i - 5j#, how do you calculate #A + B#?

1 Answer
Jan 30, 2016

You can simply add the components in each direction:

#A+B = (3i-1j)+(-i-5j) = 2i -6j#

Explanation:

I'm not sure this question needs much more explanation, but there is value for you in drawing a diagram showing the two vectors, then sliding #B# from the origin until its 'tail' is at the 'nose' of #A#. The resultant vector is then from the origin to the 'nose' of #B#. That will give you a visual reference for why it is possible to simply add the components.