How do I know when to break apart vectors?

A: You don’t have to break them apart. You can use vectors at angles as given.

B: When a vector is at an angle you must always break it apart to find and use the vector components.

Correct answer: B. The problem will almost never tell you to break vectors apart. You must analyze the problem and remember that any vectors at angles must be broken down into their vertical and horizontal components. We do this so that you can add the components or use the components with any other horizontal/vertical vectors given in the problem.

C: Only when the problem tells you to

D: Only when you feel like it

How do I know when to break apart vectors?

How do I know when to break apart vectors?

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