lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Lesson 2.3
Components of Vectors
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Components of a Vector 4
Calculating the Resultant Vector 12

Key Points 18

Key Formulas 19

Check Your Understanding 20

Challenge Yourself 21

Bibliography 22

Key to Try It! 22

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Lesson 2.3

Components of Vectors

Introduction
Bridges are designed to handle immense amounts of stress. There are different designs for
the bridge, one of which is a truss bridge. It is composed of interconnected beams
arranged in a repeated triangular pattern. Each component of the bridge adds to its ability
to hold its own weight as well as the weight of everything that uses it. Some of its parts can
accommodate compression forces, while some handle tension forces. A force, which is a
vector quantity, being experienced by a diagonal beam in the bridge, can be resolved into
its components. The determination of these force components is important in calculating
and determining its maximum strength. How are these components determined? In this
lesson, you will learn how vectors can be presented and rewritten into its components.

2.3. Components of Vectors 1

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Learning Objectives DepEd Competency

In this lesson, you should be able to do the Rewrite a vector in component

form
following:
(STEM_GP12V-Ia-10).
● Apply the analytical method to
calculate the components of a vector.
● Calculate the magnitude and the
direction of the resultant vector using
its components.

Warm Up
Which Side? 15 minutes
In this activity, you will be analyzing the relationship between the sides of a triangle. This is
an important skill in the discussion about vectors.

Materials
● cut out triangles
● worksheet
● calculator
● pen or pencil
● ruler

Procedure
1. The class will be divided into groups of three.
2. Each group will receive a set of right triangles and a worksheet. Some examples of
triangles are shown on the next page.

2.3. Components of Vectors 2

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Fig. 2.3.1. Similar right triangles with marked angles of 60°

3. With reference to the angle indicated in each triangle, label the opposite, adjacent,
and hypotenuse sides of each triangle.
4. Measure the length of each side and record it in the data table.
5. Calculate the ratio of the sides of the triangle based on the data table shown below.

Data Table
Table 2.3.1. Ratios for similar right-angled triangles

Ratios
opp hyp adj
opp/hyp adj/hyp opp/adj

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

2.3. Components of Vectors 3

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Guide Questions
1. How were you able to identify the opposite, hypotenuse, and adjacent sides of the
triangles?
2. What happened to the ratios as the size of the triangle varies?
3. How are the ratios of the sides of the triangles related to the trigonometric functions
cosine, sine, and tangent?

Learn about It!

Even though the graphical method of adding vectors is effective in visualizing the process,
its final answer is not that accurate due to the precision of the measuring devices used. This
is the reason why the analytical method is used to get answers more accurately. Let us first
discuss a topic essential in the analytical method of adding vectors—components of vectors.

How are the components of a vector calculated?

Components of a Vector
A vector directed at an angle from the horizontal or vertical axis can be resolved into its
components. Consider a displacement vector pointing in the northeast direction. It can be
divided into its two components: a component along the east (horizontal axis) and another
component along the north (vertical axis), as shown in Fig. 2.3.2. A vector in the southwest
direction is also composed of a component along the south and another component along
the west direction.

The components can be calculated if the magnitude and the direction of the vector are
given. However, it is important to specify first the reference direction. The direction of the
vector can be presented as an angle (Greek letter for theta), measured in a
counterclockwise direction from the +x-axis. All angles measured using this notation are
considered positive. From this direction, the x- and y-components of a vector can be
calculated using the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent.

2.3. Components of Vectors 4

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Fig. 2.3.2. Components of a vector at an angle

Let us briefly review the trigonometric functions. When an angle is measured from the
+x-axis, a line perpendicular to one of its sides can be drawn to create a right triangle, as
shown in Fig. 2.3.3. The longest side of the triangle is called the hypotenuse. The side
beside the angle is called the adjacent side, while the side opposite that angle is called the
opposite side. The three trigonometric functions can be expressed based on the sides of
the right triangle as follows.

2.3. Components of Vectors 5

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Fig. 2.5.3. The sides of a right triangle (right) can be defined from the angle theta (left).

It is important to remember that the ratio of these sides is dependent only on the size of the
angle and not on the size of the triangle. Even if all the three sides of the triangle are
increased, the relationship between the sides still holds true. A calculator can be used to
get the values of sine, cosine, and tangent.

Remember
In calculating the sine, cosine, and tangent, make sure that your
calculator is in degree mode since the angles or directions are given
in degrees. Otherwise, you will get a different value for your final
answer.

Let us use these trigonometric functions to get the expressions we need in calculating the

components of a vector. Suppose we have a displacement vector at an angle from the

+x-axis. The longest side, , is the hypotenuse of a triangle. The side opposite to is Ay
since it is parallel to the y-axis. The side adjacent to is Ax, since it is parallel to the x-axis.
This can be clearly seen in Fig. 2.3.4. Using those relationships, the following equations can
be derived:

2.3. Components of Vectors 6

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Fig. 2.3.4, The x-and y-components of vector

From the definition of sin , the x-component of vector is given below.

Equation 2.3.1

Similarly, from the definition of cos , the y-component of vector is given below.

Equation 2.3.2

In both equations, A is the magnitude of the vector and is the angle as measured from the
positive x-axis. Note that these relationships are only applicable if the angle is measured in
a counterclockwise direction from the positive x-axis. Otherwise, the ratio of the sides would
be different, and the formula given will be slightly different as well.

When should you use the given equations for the x-

and y-components of a vector?

2.3. Components of Vectors 7

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
What are the x- and y-components of a displacement vector with a magnitude of 50 m and a
direction of = 30°?

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the x- and y-components of a displacement vector.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The magnitude (50 m) and direction ( =30°) of the vector are both given.

Step 3: Write the working equations.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The x-component of the vector is 43.30 m while its y-component is 25 m.

1 Try It!
Find the components of a velocity vector 60 m/s, 20°.

2.3. Components of Vectors 8

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Example 2
A car has a displacement of 750 m, 45° north of west. What are the components of the
displacement vector?

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the x- and y-components of the displacement vector.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The magnitude (750 m) and direction (45° north of west) of the vector are both
given.

The angle given can be illustrated in the diagram below. Note that should be
measured from the positive x-axis. Therefore = 135°.

Step 3: Write the working equations.

2.3. Components of Vectors 9

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The x-component of the vector is ‒530.33 m while its y-component is 530.33 m.

2 Try It!
Alexa pushed a crate with a force of 120 N, at an angle of 15° south of west. What are
its components?

Example 3
A vector located in the second quadrant has an x-component of 80 m at an angle of 20°, as
shown in the figure below. Find the magnitude of the vector and its y-component.

2.3. Components of Vectors 10

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to find the magnitude of the vector and its y-component.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The x-component ( 80 m) and the angle are given (20°).
When measured from the positive x-axis, = 110°.

Step 3: Write the working equations.

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The magnitude of the vector is 233.90 m while its y-component is 219.80 m.

3 Try It!
A vector located in the fourth quadrant has an angle = 60° and has a
y-component of 35 N. Find the (a) magnitude of the vector and (b) its x-component.

How do you calculate the magnitude and direction

of a vector from its components?

2.3. Components of Vectors 11

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Calculating the Resultant Vector

In the same way that a vector can be resolved into its components, a vector’s magnitude

and direction can also be calculated using its components. The magnitude of vector can
be calculated using the equation below based on the Pythagorean theorem.

Equation 2.3.3

where
A is the magnitude of the vector
Ax is the x-component of the vector
Ay is the y-component of the vector.

The positive root is always considered as the final answer, since there is no negative value
for the magnitude. The equation can be used at any value of x- and y-components as long as
they are perpendicular with each other.

The direction of the vector is determined using the tangent function expressed in terms of
the x- and y-components.

The angle or direction is calculated using the inverse function of tangent as shown in the
equation below.

Equation 2.3.4

2.3. Components of Vectors 12

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

It is important to remember that the value of from Equation 2.3.4 is not always the final
answer. Any two angles that differ by 180° have the same value for its tangent. To ensure
that your final answer is correct it is very important that you check the signs of the x- and
y-components. Both positive signs for the x- and y-components mean that the vector is
located in the first quadrant. For the second quadrant, the x-component is negative while
the y-component is positive. If both x- and y-components are negative, the vector is located
in the third quadrant. Lastly, a positive x-component and a negative y-component indicate
that the vector is located in the fourth quadrant. After identifying the location, check the
sign of the angle you calculated. A positive sign means that you have to measure in a
counterclockwise direction from one of the axes, while a negative sign indicates that you
have to measure the angle in a clockwise direction.

Tips
It would be very helpful to draw a sketch to identify the location of
the x- and y-components. In this way, you will be able to easily
identify the location of the angle (direction) in the Cartesian plane.

Let’s Practice!

Example 4
What is the magnitude and direction of a displacement vector if its components are as
follows: Ax = 10 m, Ay = 5 m?

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the magnitude and the direction of the vector.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The x- and y-components are both given: Ax = 10 m; Ay = 5 m.

2.3. Components of Vectors 13

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Step 3: Write the working equations.

To calculate the magnitude of the vector, use the following equation:

To calculate the direction of the vector, use the following equation:

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The displacement vector has a magnitude of 11.18 m and a direction of = 26.57° or

26.57° north of east.

4 Try It!
A force vector has components of Fx = 90 N and Fy = 120 N. What is the magnitude
and direction of the said vector?

2.3. Components of Vectors 14

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Example 5
An airplane covered a displacement vector with components of Dx= 2500 km and Dy= 1800
km. What is the magnitude and direction of the displacement vector?

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to calculate the magnitude and the direction of the displacement
vector.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The x- and y-components are both given: Dx = 2500 km; Dy = 1800 km.

Step 3: Write the working equations.

To calculate the magnitude of the vector, use the following equation:

To calculate the direction of the vector, use the following equation:

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

The calculated from the equation is not necessarily the angle from the +x-axis.
The signs of the x- and y-components should be checked to identify the quadrant.

2.3. Components of Vectors 15

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

After that, the sign of the should also be considered. Positive means that the
rotation is counterclockwise, while a negative sign means that the rotation is
measured in the clockwise direction as shown in the figure below.

The displacement vector has a magnitude of 3080.58 km and a direction of = 144.25°

from the +x-axis.

5 Try It!
A truck traveled at a specific velocity. It has components of Vx = 75 m/s and Vy = 90
m/s. What is the velocity of the truck?

2.3. Components of Vectors 16

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Example 6
A displacement vector located in the first quadrant has a magnitude of 50 km and has an
x-component of 44 km. Find the (a) y-component of the vector and (b) its direction from the
+x-axis.

Solution
Step 1: Identify what is required in the problem.
You are asked to find the y-component of the vector and its direction measured
from the +x-axis.

Step 2: Identify the given in the problem.

The magnitude of the vector (50 km) and its x-component (44 km).

Step 3: Write the working equations.

To calculate the y-component of the vector, use the following equation:

To calculate the direction of the vector, use the following equation:

Step 4: Substitute the given values.

Step 5: Find the answer.

2.3. Components of Vectors 17

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

The y-component of the vector is 23.75 km. The direction of the vector is 28.36° from the
+x-axis.

6 Try It!
A force vector located in the third quadrant has a magnitude of 265 N and has a
y-component of 150 N. What is the x-component of the force vector? What is its
direction when measured from the +x-axis.

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● A vector at an angle can be resolved into its two components: a component parallel
to the horizontal axis (x-axis) and another component parallel to the vertical axis
(y-axis).
● The components of a vector are calculated using the trigonometric functions sine
and cosine.
● Angle should be measured in a counterclockwise direction from the positive
x-axis to use the given equations for the x- and y-components.
● The magnitude and direction of a vector can be calculated through its two
components using the Pythagorean theorem and the tangent function.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

2.3. Components of Vectors 18

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Components of Use this formula to solve

Vectors where: the x-component of a
● Ax is the x-component of vector.
the vector
● A is the magnitude of the
vector
● is the angle measured
from the +x-axis

Use this formula to solve

where: the y-component of a
● Ay is the y-component of vector.
the vector
● A is the magnitude of the
vector
● is the angle measured
from the +x-axis

Use this formula to solve

the magnitude of a vector.
where:
● A is the magnitude of the
vector
● Ax is the x-component of
the vector
● Ay is the y-component of
the vector

Use this formula to

determine the direction of
a vector.
where:
● is the angle

2.3. Components of Vectors 19

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

● Ax is the x-component of
the vector
● Ay is the y-component of
the vector

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Write true if the statement is correct. Otherwise, write false.

___________________ 1. A vector located in the fourth quadrant has a negative

x-component and a positive y-component.
___________________ 2. The angle can be measured from any direction.
___________________ 3. Result of the calculation using the equation for tangent
has two possible locations in a Cartesian plane.
___________________ 4. A vector is located in the second quadrant if both of its x-
and y-components are positive.
___________________ 5. A vector at an angle from the vertical or the horizontal
axis has two components.
___________________ 6. A vector in the northeast direction has a component
along the north and west directions.
___________________ 7. A displacement vector of 2 m, 135° measured from the
+x-axis has an x-component of 1.41 m.
___________________ 8. A vector with an x-component of 12 m and a
y-component of 10 m has an angle of 40°.
___________________ 9. The x-component of a vector is always calculated using
the sine function.
___________________ 10. In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is equivalent to the
magnitude of the vector itself.

2.3. Components of Vectors 20

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 2: Vectors

B. Solve the following problems.

I. Identify the components of the following vectors.

1. 35 m, 75°
2. 20 km, 10° north of east
3. 65 N, 55° south of west
4. 1250 km, 195°
5. 200 N, 25°

II. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the vector using the following components.
1. Ax = 250 N, Ay = 550 N
2. Ax = 5 km, Ay = 8 km
3. Ax = 850 m, Ay = 600 m
4. Ax = 70 m, Ay = 80 m
5. Ax = 1600 N, Ay = 900 N

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Why is there a need to resolve the components of a vector?

2. Give a situation where the formula used to calculate the x- and y-components will be
interchanged, wherein the x-component uses the sine function while the
y-component uses the cosine function.
3. In which situation is the inverse tangent function equivalent to the angle measured
from the +x-axis?
4. Suppose that the x-component of a vector is positive while its y-component is
negative. Are the angles 250° and –45° both possible directions for the said vector?
5. The x-and y-components of a vector given by your teacher are both negative. After
your calculation, you got a positive value for the angle. You then subtracted it from
180° to get the ûnal direction. Would your ûnal angle reüect the correct direction of
the vector? Explain your answer.

2.3. Components of Vectors 21

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])

 lOMoARcPSD|29589495

Unit 1: Work, Power, and Energy

Bibliography
Faughn, Jerry S. and Raymond A. Serway. Serway’s College Physics (7th ed). Singapore:
Brooks/Cole, 2006.

Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics Principles with Applications (7th ed). USA: Pearson Education,
2014.

Knight, Randall D. Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th ed). USA:
Pearson Education, 2017.

Serway, Raymond A. and John W. Jewett, Jr. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern
Physics (9th ed). USA: Brooks/Cole, 2014.

Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky’s University
Physics with Modern Physics (13th ed). USA: Pearson Education, 2012.

Key to Try It!

1. x-component is 56.38 m/s; y-component is 20.52 m/s
2. x-component is 115.91 N; y-component is 31.06 N
3. A = 40.41 N; Ax = 20.21 N

4. = 150 N, 53.13° (53.13° north of east)

5. = 117.15 m/s, 309.81° ( = 50.19° or 50.19° south of east)

6. Ax = 218.46 N; = 214.47° (34.47° south of west)

2.3. Components of Vectors 22

Downloaded by Isabelle Schollard ([email protected])