It seems simple, but one of the most important skills in introductory-level physics is recognizing that you need to work a vector problem. Because vector problems are so prevalent, we want to find strategies that make working them as easy as possible. One of the most important details that often gets overlooked in a vector problem is choosing a coordinate system. The answer cannot depend on your choice of coordinate system, but different choices for the directions of the x and y axes can substantially change the amount of work required to solve the problem. As you continue to work with vector problems, pay attention to what you can do to select the “easiest” coordinate system to break your vectors up in. Choosing a better coordinate system can make all the difference between quickly solving for the correct answer or struggling for too long and still having your answer be wrong.