The vectors $oldsymbol{a}$ and $oldsymbol{b}$ are shown - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 1 - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1

To find the vector oldsymbol{y} = oldsymbol{a} - oldsymbol{b}, we can visualize this operation as taking the vector oldsymbol{a} and moving along the vector oldsymbol{b} in the opposite direction. This means we need to start at the tail of vector oldsymbol{b} and draw vector oldsymbol{a} starting from the tip of vector oldsymbol{b}.

Among the options presented (A, B, C, D), we carefully analyze how each vector is represented.

• Diagram D correctly shows the vector oldsymbol{y} in relation to vectors oldsymbol{a} and oldsymbol{b}. In this diagram, oldsymbol{y} starts at the tip of oldsymbol{a} going towards the tip of oldsymbol{b}, accurately depicting the subtraction operation.

• Therefore, the correct answer is D.