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2.2.1 ADDITION OF VECTORS

A variety of mathematical operations can be performed with and upon vectors. One such operation
is the addition of vectors. Two vectors can be added together to determine the result (or resultant).

This process of adding two or more vectors has already been discussed in an earlier unit. Recall in
our discussion of Newton's laws of motion, that the net force experienced by an object was

determined by computing the vector sum of all the individual forces acting upon that object. That
is the net force was the result (or resultant) of adding up all the force vectors. During that unit, the

rules for summing vectors (such as force vectors) were kept relatively simple. Observe the

following summations of two force vectors:

P + Q = P + (Q)

P = Q

Q P

Figure 2.4: Addition of Vectors

2.2.2 SUBSTRACTION OF VECTORS

The vector subtraction is defined as the addition of the corresponding negative vector. Therefore,

the vector P-Q represents the difference between the vectors P and Q. it is obtained by adding to
P the negative – Q (refer figure below). It is can write as

P – Q = P + (-Q)

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