Vector Subtraction

Tutorial on the subtraction of vectors.

Vectors are mathematical quantities used to represent concepts such as force or velocity which have both a magnitude and a direction.

Subtraction of Vectors
The subtraction of vectors A - B may be changed into an addition A + (- B). In the applet below A and B are drawn (draw button) first, then -B (in green) and then A + (- B) in red (subtract button).

If vectors A and B are given by their components as follows: A = < u1 , v1 > and B = < u2 , v2 >, then the components of vector A - B are < u1 - u2 , v1 - v2 > or A - B = < u1 - u2 , v1 - v2 >

Enter different components in the html5 applet below for vectors A and B and explain the results.

Components of vector A
Components of vector B
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