How can you add vector quantities?

Answer 1

You can add vectors graphically (head-to-foot). Mathematically, you can add the individual components. For example, in two dimensions, separate the vector into x and y components, and add the x-component for both vectors; the same for the y-component.

Here it may be useful to note that scientific calculator have a special function to convert from polar to rectangular coordinates, and vice-versa. If you RTFM (the calculator manual, in this case), it may help a lot - a vector may be given in polar coordinates (a length and an angle); using this special function on the calculator can do the conversion to rectangular (x- and y-components) really fast.

Answer 2

To add vector quantities, you need to break down each vector into its components, then add the corresponding components together. Finally, combine the resultant components to find the sum vector.