when the vectors are not all pointing in the same direction
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You need two equations to use the addition method.
The magnitude alone can't tell you anything about its components. You also need to know its direction.
It depends on what other information you are given. If you are given the x-component and the angle, then you can still use trig by doing the following. Tan(angle)=y/x If you do not have the x component, then you will need to use other kinematic equations to find the answer. The different ways to find this information are too numerous to list out, but I will give an example of a common one. If you are given the horizontal distance and time the object flies, use d=vt to find the x component of velocity, then use the first strategy.
Divide the vectors into horizontal and vertical components (or components in three dimensions). Add the components together for the different vectors. Convert the resultant vector back to polar coordinates, if need be. Note: Most scientific calculators have a special function to convert from polar coordinates (distance and angle) to rectangular coordinates (x and y coordinates), and back. If your calculator has such a function, using it will save you a lot of work.
Direction and magnitude.