Method 1: Adding Components

Remember, the three forces applied by the tugboats are 100N at 39°, 150N at 167°, and 140N at 250°.

Create the first vector by typing its magnitude (numeral only) in the Set Magnitude box at the bottom of the screen and the direction in the Set Angle box. Then click the Draw Vector button.

The vector is a black line with a double arrow on it. 

Click on the Show xy components button to see that each vector is made up of two components, horizontal and vertical.

To make the screen less cluttered, click on Hide xy components. Then enter the information for the other two vectors.

These three lines represent the magnitude and direction of the three tugboats' forces on the cruise ship.

Now, to find the solution to the problem, you will need to use the horizontal and vertical components of these three vectors. Click again on Show xy components.

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