Vector components

In this lesson, we will learn:

• What are x and y components?
• How to break a vector into its components
• Problem solving with vector components

• Components of a vector are other vectors that add up tip-to-tail give you the original vector.
  • The x and y components of a vector are the components that are pointed directly in the x and y directions, respectively, and are useful for solving problems.
  • The x and y components can be found with trigonometry, since they always form a right triangle with the original vector.

$a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$ (Pythagorean theorem)

$\theta$: angle, in degrees (°)

$opp.$: side opposite angle

$adj.$: side adjacent angle

$hyp.$: hypotenuse of triangle (longest side, side opposite 90° angle)

$a$ and $b$: non-hypotenuse sides of triangle

$c$: hypotenuse of triangle