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P -Q
=

Q

P

Figure 2.5: Subtraction of Vectors

2.2.3 RESOLUTION OF VECTORS

A single force for example R acting on a particle can be replaced by two or more forces which,

together has the same effect on the particle. Thus situation show that a vector can be resolved into
two or more components by using two methods. The method that can examine for resolution of

vectors are:

• the parallelogram method

• the trigonometric method

The parallelogram method of vector resolution involves using an accurately drawn, scaled vector
diagram to determine the components of the vector. Briefly put, the method involves drawing the

vector to scale in the indicated direction, sketching a parallelogram around the vector such that the
vector is the diagonal of the parallelogram, and determining the magnitude of the components (the

sides of the parallelogram) using the scale.

If one desires to determine the components as directed along the traditional x- and y-coordinate

axes, then the parallelogram is a rectangle with sides that stretch vertically and horizontally. For
example shown in figure the vector R is resolved into component A and component B.

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