Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
and
2
1
−
−
1
w
−
v
=
=
1
−
2
1
Vector addition and subtraction also have a simple graphical interpretation. In fact, vector
addition uses the parallelogram rule shown in Fig. 1.1. Figure 2.6 illustrates how vectors
v
and
w
are added together. It is obvious that the components of the vector addition are obtained
by adding the individual components together. Remember that these vectors do not have any
absolute position and can be positioned anywhere in space.
Y
3
w
2
v
+
w
v
1
3
1
2
4
X
Figure 2.6.
Vector subtraction is illustrated in Fig. 2.7. To simplify the process, it is best to regard
v
−
w
as
v
+
−
w
.
Y
3
w
2
−
w
1
v
v
-
w
1
2
3
4
X
Figure 2.7.
