Component Method

What is Component Method?

•The component method is generally

used when more than two vectors are
added.
Steps involve in adding vectors using
component method
1. Resolve the given into its horizontal and vertical
components. The components may be positive or
negative depending on which quadrant the vector is
found.
2. Get the algebraic sum of all the horizontal components.
Get also the algebraic sum of the vertical components.
These sums represent the horizontal component and
the vertical component of the resultant, respectively.
3. Since the vertical and horizontal components are
perpendicular, the magnitude of the resultant may be
calculated from the Pythagorean theorem.
R=+
4. From the signs of the sum of the horizontal components
and the vertical components, determine the quadrant where
the resultant is. This will indicate of the direction of the
resultant vector.
5. Solve for the angle 𝜭 the resultant makes with the
horizontal.
𝜭= arctan|| or 𝜭=tan-1 ||
Sign of X and Y in the Different Quadrant
Quadrant X Y
1 + +
2 - +
3 - -
4 + -
Sample Problem
1. A jogger runs 4.00 m 40.0° N of E, 2.00 m East, 5.20 m 30.0° S of
W, 6.50 m S, and then collapses. Find his resultant displacement
from where he started.
Vectors Horizontal Component Vertical Component

A = 4.00 m 40.0° N of E

B = 2.00 m E

C = 5.20 m 30.0° S of W

D. 6.50 m S

𝜮= 𝜮=
Vectors Horizontal Component Vertical Component

A = 4.00 m 40.0° N of E +4.00 m cos 40.0° = +3.06 m +4.00 m sin 40.0° = +2.57 m

B = 2.00 m E +2.00 m 0.00 m

C = 5.20 m 30.0° S of W -5.20 m cos 30.0° = -4.50 m -5.20 m sin 30.0° = -2.60 m

D. 6.50 m S 0.00 -6.50 m

𝜮 = +0.560m 𝜮=-6.53
Solving
R=+
R =+
R = 6.55m

𝜭 = arctan||
𝜭 = arctan||
𝜭 = 85.1°
Exercise
• Find the resultant of the following forces by component method.
F1= 12 N East, F2= 24 N 30° N of W, and F3= 15 N 75° S of W.