One reason we should know what the directions of the forces acting on an object is so we can know if we have to add or subtract. same = add together, opposite = subtract from each other. Also if we don't pay attention to the direction the Net force will be wont be accurate. There will be factors that will upset the calculation.So we must know the direction of the two forces because we have to know if we are adding or subtracting and if the answer is accurate.
