Select two axes in a 2-d plane along which you want the vector components (3 axes in 3-d and so on). The axes must meet at a point, but need not be perpendicular.
In 2-d, draw a parallelogram so that its diagonal is the given vector and the adjacent sides are parallel to the axes. These adjacent sides will represent the components of the vector.
If the axes are at right angles and the vector Vmakes an angle t with the positive horizontal axis, then
horizontal component = V*cost
and
vertical component = V*sint
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prrpendicular projections of a vector called component of vector
The component of a vector x perpendicular to the vector y is x*y*sin(A) where A is the angle between the two vectors.
At what angle should a vector be directed to so that its x component is equal to its y component
Suppose the magnitude of the vector is V and its direction makes an angle A with the x-axis, then the x component is V*Cos(A) and the y component is V*Sin(A)
Two methods can be used for vector addition. (1) Graphically. Place the vectors head-to-tail, without changing their direction or size. (2) Analytically, that is, mathematically. Add the x-component and the y-component separately. The z-component too, if the vectors are in three dimensions.