Question

Add the following vectors , 7m/s [N30E] and 2m/s [S17E], using trigonometry. Once you draw these out into diagrams, you use the triangle law yes? How do you find the angles to use in the cosine and sine law? A little confused, thanks for the help.

Answer 1

I would break the two vectors into components N, and E. For instance, the N component of the first is 7cos30. Then, after finding the components, add the N, then the N. Then use trig to find the resultant.

Another way is to use the law of cosines and law of sines, but I don't recommend that.

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~vawter/PhysicsNet/Topics/Vectors/VectorAdditionSteps.html