Mechanics: i and j components

[NE2000]

How many people use i and j components for mechanics and who just does it the physics way by just avoiding vectors and the accompanying tilde (~). For example, when you say the net force = ma, do you put a with a tilde and then expand it to 0i and 0j and equate j components to find the normal reaction force etc. Because I'm not sure whether it's necessary but I'm seeing some trial exams which use it.

[kurrymuncher]

How many people use i and j components for mechanics and who just does it the physics way by just avoiding vectors and the accompanying tilde (~). For example, when you say the net force = ma, do you put a with a tilde and then expand it to 0i and 0j and equate j components to find the normal reaction force etc. Because I'm not sure whether it's necessary but I'm seeing some trial exams which use it.

I do the physics way, just out of habit lol, when I do it in vectors it looks foreign
But my teacher said that any way is fine.

although, if you set it out in vectors, Its easier to take note of pos and neg directions etc etc

EDIT: which is exactly what edmund said lol

[Edmund]

It is important to work in i and j components in spec maths problems that usually requires you to take note of directions (+/-, up/down, left/right)