Help - Vector Subtraction

The Applet lets you construct the difference of two vectors of your choice and provides the answer


Click on a number to view the explanation of the corresponding item.


  1. Vector Tool
  2. To draw a vector, select the Vector tool ; then click in the applet window and draw with the mouse. You can change the vector by dragging either its tail or its tip. You can move the vector without changing it by clicking it somewhere near its middle and dragging it.

    To draw a second vector, repeat the procedure, beginning with the selection of the Vector tool.

  3. Dotted Line Tool
  4. To draw a dotted line, select the Dotted-Line tool ; then click in the applet window and draw with the mouse.

    You can change a dotted line by dragging either its tail or its tip. You can move the line without changing it by clicking it somewhere near its middle and dragging it.

    The Dotted-Line tool does not become active until Page 4 when you are asked to draw the difference of the two vectors.

  5. Delete Tool
  6. You can delete any vector or dotted line that you have drawn by selecting the Delete tool and then clicking on the vector or dotted line.

  7. Answer
  8. The correct difference vector will be drawn automatically (in green) when you go to Page 5. The program will let you advance to Page 5 only after you have drawn your difference vector (in blue) in Page 4 by means of the vector tool.

    You can drag either the green or the blue difference vectors by clicking on them somewhere near their midpoints and then dragging them.