Head to Tail Method of Vector Addition

a. Draw the first vector arrow in the direction specified. Use an exact or
an approximate scale.
b. At the head (arrow tip) of the first vector, place the tail of the second
vector and draw the second vector in the direction specified.
c. If necessary, place the tail of the third vector at the head of the second
and draw it in the direction specified.
d. Draw the resultant vector arrow from the tail of the first vector to the
head of the last vector arrow.
e. Find the magnitude (length) of the resultant vector using the
appropriate technique (algebra, Pythagorean theorem, trigonometry,
scale drawing, etc.)
f. If necessary determine the angle of the resultant vector and
communicate the direction of the resultant vector.

Example
The vector addition of the following displacements, d1 = 75 km [E], and d2 = 48 km [N].

1. Draw vector (1) in the direction specified. d1 = 75 km

2. Place the tail of vector (2) at the head/arrow of

vector (1) and draw vector (2) in the direction
specified. Ensure that the relative magnitudes d2 = 48 km
of vector (1) and (2) are communicated by the diagram. d1 = 75 km

3. Draw the resultant vector from the tail of vector (1) to

the head of vector (2).

4. Calculate or measure the magnitude of the resultant. VR 48 km

VR = 89 km (by Pythagoras) 

75 km
5. Calculate or measure the angle,  of the resultant.
tan-1 (48 km/75 km) = 33o

6. Communicate magnitude and direction of resultant vector.

VR = 89 km [E 33o N] or 33o North of East