Question

How do you add vectors?

Answer 1

Perhaps its best if we draw out the vectors in a cartesian plane. Lets say that the vector i is a unit vector in the x direction <1,0>, and the vector j is a unit vector in the y direction <0,1>.

Answer 2

So the vector A=2i-j is equivalent to the vector starting at the origin and extending 2 units to the right and one unit down.

Answer 3

Its important to note that order doesnt matter. If you consider the -j first and then add 2i vectors, you will end up at with the same vector A.

You always add vectors head to tail (i.e. you start the tail or start point of the second vector at the head or stop point of the first vector

Answer 4

So the graphical approach would look something like this: