In a vector problem, what does 30 degrees north of west mean? how would i find the x and y component given a force of 30n for the vector?

First, you have to define your x and y axes, what is 0º and what direction do you turn to face 90º In algebra, the 0º is the angle from the x-axis, and you turn counter clockwise to get to 90º (the y-axis) but if you use the compass directions, 0º (north) is the y axis, and you turn CLOCKWISE 90º to get to the x-axis (east)