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Vector addition *

Sunil Kumar Singh

This work is produced by OpenStax-CNX and licensed under the
„
Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0

Vectors operate with other scalar or vector quantities in a particular manner. Unlike scalar algebraic
operation, vector operation draws on graphical representation to incorporate directional aspect.
Vector addition is, however, limited to vectors only. We can not add a vector (a directional quantity) to
a scalar (a non-directional quantity). Further, vector addition is dealt in three conceptually equivalent ways
:

1. graphical methods
2. analytical methods
3. algebraic methods

In this module, we shall discuss rst two methods. Third algebraic method will be discussed in a separate
module titled Components of a vector
The resulting vector after addition is termed as sum or resultant vector. The resultant vector corresponds
to the resultant or net eect of a physical quantities having directional attributes. The eect of a force
system on a body, for example, is determined by the resultant force acting on it. The idea of resultant force,
in this case, reects that the resulting force (vector) has the same eect on the body as that of the forces
(vectors), which are added.

* Version 1.7: Nov 21, 2008 2:32 am -0600

„ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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Resultant force

Figure 1

It is important to emphasize here that vector rule of addition (graphical or algebraic) do not distinguish
between vector types (whether displacement or acceleration vector). This means that the rule of vector
addition is general for all vector types.
It should be clearly understood that though rule of vector addition is general, which is applicable to all
vector types in same manner, but vectors being added should be like vectors only. It is expected also. The
requirement is similar to scalar algebra where 2 plus 3 is always 5, but we need to add similar quantity like
2 meters plus 3 meters is 5 meters. But, we can not add, for example, distance and temperature.

1 Vector addition : graphical method

Let us examine the example of displacement of a person in two dierent directions. The two displacement
vectors, perpendicular to each other, are added to give the resultant vector. In this case, the closing side
of the right triangle represents the sum (i.e. resultant) of individual displacements AB and BC.

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Displacement

Figure 2

AC = AB + BC (2)

The method used to determine the sum in this particular case (in which, the closing side of the triangle
represents the sum of the vectors in both magnitude and direction) forms the basic consideration for various
rules dedicated to implement vector addition.

1.1 Triangle law

In most of the situations, we are involved with the addition of two vector quantities. Triangle law of vector
addition is appropriate to deal with such situation.

Denition 2: Triangle law of vector addition

If two vectors are represented by two sides of a triangle in sequence, then third closing side of
the triangle, in the opposite direction of the sequence, represents the sum (or resultant) of the two
vectors in both magnitude and direction.

Here, the term sequence means that the vectors are placed such that tail of a vector begins at the arrow
head of the vector placed before it.

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Triangle law of vector addition

Figure 3

The triangle law does not restrict where to start i.e. with which vector to start. Also, it does not put
conditions with regard to any specic direction for the sequence of vectors, like clockwise or anti-clockwise,
b
to be maintained. In gure (i), the law is applied starting with vector, ; whereas the law is applied starting
with vector, a, in gure (ii). In either case, the resultant vector, c, is same in magnitude and direction.
This is an important result as it conveys that vector addition is commutative in nature i.e. the process
of vector addition is independent of the order of addition. This characteristic of vector addition is known as
commutative property of vector addition and is expressed mathematically as :

a + b = b + a (3)

If three vectors are represented by three sides of a triangle in sequence, then resultant vector is zero.
In order to prove this, let us consider any two vectors in sequence like AB and BC as shown in the gure.
According to triangle law of vector addition, the resultant vector is represented by the third closing side in
the opposite direction. It means that :

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Three vectors

Figure 4: Three vectors are represented by three sides in sequence.

⇒ AB + BC = AC
Adding vector CA on either sides of the equation,
⇒ AB + BC + CA = AC + CA
The right hand side of the equation is vector sum of two equal and opposite vectors, which evaluates to
zero. Hence,

Three vectors

Figure 5: The resultant of three vectors represented by three sides is zero.

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⇒ AB + BC + CA = 0
Note : If the vectors represented by the sides of a triangle are force vectors, then resultant force is zero.
It means that three forces represented by the sides of a triangle in a sequence is a balanced force system.

1.2 Parallelogram law

Parallelogram law, like triangle law, is applicable to two vectors.

Denition 5: Parallelogram law

If two vectors are represented by two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the diagonal of
parallelogram through the common point represents the sum of the two vectors in both magnitude
and direction.

Parallelogram law, as a matter of fact, is an alternate statement of triangle law of vector addition. A
graphic representation of the parallelogram law and its interpretation in terms of the triangle is shown in
the gure :

Parallelogram law

Figure 6

Converting parallelogram sketch to that of triangle law requires shifting vector, b, from the position OB
to position AC laterally as shown, while maintaining magnitude and direction.

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1.3 Polygon law

The polygon law is an extension of earlier two laws of vector addition. It is successive application of triangle
law to more than two vectors. A pair of vectors (a, b) is added in accordance with triangle law. The
intermediate resultant vector ( a + b) is then added to third vector (c) again, successively till all vectors to
be added have been exhausted.

Successive application of triangle law

Figure 7

Denition 7: Polygon law

Polygon law of vector addition : If (n-1) numbers of vectors are represented by (n-1) sides of a
polygon in sequence, then nth side, closing the polygon in the opposite direction, represents the
sum of the vectors in both magnitude and direction.

In the gure shown below, four vectors namely a, b, c and d are combined to give their sum. Starting
with any vector, we add vectors in a manner that the subsequent vector begins at the arrow end of the
preceding vector. The illustrations in gures i, iii and iv begin with vectors a, d and c respectively.

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Polygon law

Figure 8

Matter of fact, polygon formation has great deal of exibility. It may appear that we should elect vectors
in increasing or decreasing order of direction (i.e. the angle the vector makes with reference to the direction
of the rst vector). But, this is not so. This point is demonstrated in gure (i) and (ii), in which the vectors
b and c have simply been exchanged in their positions in the sequence without aecting the end result.
It means that the order of grouping of vectors for addition has no consequence on the result. This
characteristic of vector addition is known as associative property of vector addition and is expressed
mathematically as :

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c) (8)

1.3.1 Subtraction
Subtraction is considered an addition process with one modication that the second vector (to be subtracted)
is rst reversed in direction and is then added to the rst vector. To illustrate the process, let us consider
the problem of subtracting vector, b, from , a. Using graphical techniques, we rst reverse the direction of
vector, b, and obtain the sum applying triangle or parallelogram law.
Symbolically,

a − b = a + ( −b) (8)

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Subtraction

Figure 9

Similarly, we can implement subtraction using algebraic method by reversing sign of the vector being
subtracted.

2 Vector addition : Analytical method

Vector method requires that all vectors be drawn true to the scale of magnitude and direction. The inherent
limitation of the medium of drawing and measurement techniques, however, renders graphical method inac-
curate. Analytical method, based on geometry, provides a solution in this regard. It allows us to accurately
determine the sum or the resultant of the addition, provided accurate values of magnitudes and angles are
supplied.
Here, we shall analyze vector addition in the form of triangle law to obtain the magnitude of the sum of
the two vectors. Let P and Q be the two vectors to be added, which make an angle θ with each other. We
arrange the vectors in such a manner that two adjacent sides OA and AB of the triangle OAB, represent
two vectors P and Q respectively as shown in the gure.

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Analytical method

Figure 10

According to triangle law, the closing side OB represent sum of the vectors in both magnitude and
direction.

OB = OA + AB = P + Q
In order to determine the magnitude, we drop a perpendicular BC on the extended line OC.

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Analytical method

Figure 11

In ∆ACB,

AC = AB cos θ = Q cos θ
BC = AB sin θ = Q sin θ
In right ∆OCB, we have :

√ √ 2
OC2 + BC2 + BC2 }


OB = = { ( OA + AC )
Substituting for AC and BC,

√  2

⇒ OB = ( P + Q cos θ ) + Q sin θ2
√
P 2 + Q2 cos 2 θ + 2P Q cos θ + Q2 sin 2 θ


⇒ OB = (11)
√

⇒ R = OB = P 2 + 2P Q cos θ + Q2

Let "α" be the angle that line OA makes with OC, then

BC Q sin θ
tanα = OC = P + Q cos θ

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The equations give the magnitude and direction of the sum of the vectors. The above equation reduces
◦ ◦
to a simpler form, when two vectors are perpendicular to each other. In that case, θ = 90 ; sinθ = sin90
◦
= 1; cosθ = cos90 = 0 and,

√

⇒ OB = P 2 + Q2
(11)
Q
⇒ tanα = P

These results for vectors at right angle are exactly same as determined, using Pythagoras theorem.

Example 1
Problem : Three radial vectors OA, OB and OC act at the center of a circle of radius r as
shown in the gure. Find the magnitude of resultant vector.

Sum of three vectors

Figure 12: Three radial vectors OA, OB and OC act at the center of a circle of radius r.

Solution : It is evident that vectors are equal in magnitude and is equal to the radius of the
circle. The magnitude of the resultant of horizontal and vertical vectors is :

√ √
R0 =


r2 + r2 = 2r
The resultant of horizontal and vertical vectors is along the bisector of angle i.e. along the
remaining third vector OB. Hence, magnitude of resultant of all three vectors is :

√ √
R0 = OB + R0 = r + 2r = ( 1 + 2) r

Example 2 √
Problem : a+b and a-b act so that the resultant is


At what angle does two vectors 3a2 + b2
.
Solution : The magnitude of resultant of two vectors is given by :

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Angle

Figure 13: The angle between the sum and dierence of vectors.

√ 2 2
R = { (a + b) + (a − b) + 2 ( a + b ) ( a − b ) cosθ }
Substituting the expression for magnitude of resultant as given,

√
√ 2 2
⇒ 3a2 + b2 = { (a + b) + (a − b) + 2 ( a + b ) ( a − b ) cosθ }

Squaring on both sides, we have :

2 2
⇒ 3a2 + b2 = { (a + b) + (a − b) + 2 ( a + b ) ( a − b ) cosθ }

( a2 − b2 ) 1 ◦
⇒ cosθ = 2 ( a2 − b2 ) = 2 = cos60

◦
⇒ θ = 60

3 Nature of vector addition

3.1 Vector sum and dierence
The magnitude of sum of two vectors is either less than or equal to sum of the magnitudes of individual
vectors. Symbolically, if a and b be two vectors, then
|a + b| ≤ |a| + |b|

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We know that vectors a, b and their sum a+b is represented by three side of a triangle OAC. Further
we know that a side of triangle is always less than the sum of remaining two sides. It means that :

Two vectors

Figure 14: Sum of two vectors

OC < OA + AC
OC < OA + OB
⇒ |a + b| < |a| + |b|
There is one possibility, however, that two vectors a and b are collinear and act in the same direction.
In that case, magnitude of their resultant will be "equal to" the sum of the magnitudes of individual vector.
This magnitude represents the maximum or greatest magnitude of two vectors being combined.

OC = OA + OB
⇒ |a + b| = |a| + |b|
Combining two results, we have :

|a + b| ≤ |a| + |b|
On the other hand, the magnitude of dierence of two vectors is either greater than or equal to dierence
of the magnitudes of individual vectors. Symbolically, if a and b be two vectors, then
|a − b| ≥ |a| − |b|
We know that vectors a, b and their dierence a-b are represented by three side of a triangle OAE.
Further we know that a side of triangle is always less than the sum of remaining two sides. It means that
sum of two sides is greater than the third side :

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Two vectors

Figure 15: Dierence of two vectors

OE + AE > OA
⇒ OE > OA − AE
⇒ |a − b| > |a| − |b|
There is one possibility, however, that two vectors a and b are collinear and act in the opposite directions.
In that case, magnitude of their dierence will be equal to the dierence of the magnitudes of individual
vector. This magnitude represents the minimum or least magnitude of two vectors being combined.

⇒ OE = OA − AE
⇒ |a − b| = |a| − |b|
Combining two results, we have :

|a − b| ≥ |a| − |b|

3.2 Lami's theorem

Lami's theorem relates magnitude of three non-collinear vectors with the angles enclosed between pair of two
vectors, provided resultant of three vectors is zero (null vector). This theorem is a manifestation of triangle
law of addition. According to this theorem, if resultant of three vectors a, b and c is zero (null vector), then
a b c
sinα = sinβ = sinγ

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Three vectors

Figure 16: Three non-collinear vectors.

where α, β and γ be the angle between the remaining pairs of vectors.

We know that if the resultant of three vectors is zero, then they are represented by three sides of a
triangle in magnitude and direction.

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Three vectors

Figure 17: Three vectors are represented by three sides of a triangle.

Considering the magnitude of vectors and applying sine law of triangle, we have :

AB BC CA
sinBCA = sinCAB = sinABC

AB BC CA
⇒ sin ( π − α ) = sin ( π − β ) = sin ( π − γ )

AB BC CA
⇒ sinα = sinβ = sinγ

It is important to note that the ratio involves exterior (outside) angles  not the interior angles of the
triangle. Also, the angle associated with the magnitude of a vector in the individual ratio is the included
angle between the remaining vectors.

4 Exercises
Exercise 1 (Solution on p. 18.)
Two forces of 10 N and 25 N are applied on a body. Find the magnitude of maximum and
minimum resultant force.

Exercise 2 (Solution on p. 18.)

Can a body subjected to three coplanar forces 5 N, 17 N and 9 N be in equilibrium?

Exercise 3 (Solution on p. 18.)

Under what condition does the magnitude of the resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude, is
equal in magnitude to either of two equal vectors?

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Solutions to Exercises in this Module

Solution to Exercise (p. 17)
Resultant force is maximum when force vectors act along the same direction. The magnitude of resultant
force under this condition is :

R max = 10 + 25 = 35 N
R min = 25 − 10 = 15 N
Solution to Exercise (p. 17)
The resultant force, on a body in equilibrium, is zero. It means that three forces can be represented along
three sides of a triangle. However, we know that sum of any two sides is greater than third side. In this
case, we see that :

5 + 9 < 17
Clearly, three given forces can not be represented by three sides of a triangle. Thus, we conclude that
the body is not in equilibrium.
Solution to Exercise (p. 17)
We know that resultant of two vectors is represented by the closing side of a triangle. If the triangle is
equilateral then all three sides are equal. As such magnitude of the resultant of two vectors is equal to the
magnitude of either of the two vectors.

Two vectors

Figure 18: Resultant of two vectors

◦
Under this condition, vectors of equal magnitude make an angle of 120 between them.

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