Subtraction of vectors

Subtraction of vectors

Since vectors have both magnitude and direction two vectors cannot be subtracted from each other by the method of ordinary algebra. Thus, this subtraction can be done either geometrically or analytically. We shall now discuss subtraction of two vectors geometrically using the Figure 2.19

For two non-zero vectors  and  which are inclined to each other at an angle θ, the difference  −  is obtained as follows. First obtain −  as in Figure 2.19. The angle between  and −  is 180-θ.

Solved Example Problem for Subtraction of vectors