Physics Vector Question?

Question

You have three vectors with lengths of 5m, 7m, and 9m, respectively. If you add these three vectors together, what is the largest-magnitude resultant you can obtain? What is the smallest?

I do not understand this question. I made a triangle to figure it out, but I am so confused.

Answer 1

The largest would be a straight line. The same applies to the shortest.

Think of being on a bike and just going forward, or going back and forth.

Answer 2

You get the maximum when all three act together in the same direction: Add the vectors: 5+7+9= 21m

You have to do some trying out to get the smallest, If 9m is going forward and 5+7 = 12 is going backwards, resultant is 3m backwards.

So those are your answers.