Question

if two vectors to be added are at right angles, you will need to use the pythagorean theorem use the law of tangents. just add them together. subtract the smaller for the larger

Explanation:

When two vectors are at right angles, they form a right - angled triangle. The magnitude of the resultant vector can be found using the Pythagorean theorem. The Pythagorean theorem states that for a right - angled triangle with sides \(a\) and \(b\) (representing the magnitudes of the two vectors) and hypotenuse \(c\) (representing the magnitude of the resultant vector), \(c=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}\). The Law of Tangents is used in triangle problems for a different set of relationships (related to the ratio of sides and tangents of angles). Just adding them together is incorrect as vectors have direction and when they are at right angles, simple scalar addition does not account for direction. Subtracting the smaller from the larger is also incorrect as it does not follow vector addition rules for perpendicular vectors.

Answer:

use the Pythagorean theorem