Subtraction of Two Vectors
2026-02-28 10:40 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/subtraction-of-two-vectors

The following are methods of subtracting vectors:

Method 1: Graphical Method

To apply the graphical method for vector subtraction, use the following steps.

Step 1: Draw the first vector using a suitable scale and direction.

Step 2: Draw the second vector in the opposite direction using the same scale.

Step 3: Connect the initial point of the first vector to the endpoint of the reversed second vector to find the resultant vector.

Example: Subtract vector w from vector v.

Step 1: Draw v.

Step 2: Reverse and draw w.

Step 3: Draw the resultant vector from the start of v to the end of the reversed w.

Method 2: Analytical Method

In the analytical method, we use vector components.

Subtract the corresponding components of the vectors to find the resultant vector.

For example, Subtract w(2, −3) from v(5, 4). v(5, 4) - w(2, −3) = (5−2, 4−(−3)) = (3, 7)

Therefore, the resultant vector is (3, 7).