8-5 Vectors

Objectives

To describe vectors

To solve problems involving vector addition

Image Long Description

A vector is any quantity with magnitude (size) and direction. In the Solve It, a car's speed and direction together represent a vector. There are also many other models for a vector.

You can use an arrow for a vector, as shown by the velocity vector K W ⇀ modified k w with right harpoon up above in the photo. The magnitude corresponds to the distance from the initial point K to the terminal point W. The direction corresponds to the direction in which the arrow points.

You can also use an ordered pair 〈 x , y 〉 left pointing angle bracket x comma y right pointing angle bracket in the coordinate plane for a vector. The magnitude and direction of the vector correspond to the distance and direction of 〈 x , y 〉 left pointing angle bracket x comma y right pointing angle bracket from the origin.

Essential Understanding You can use vectors to model motion and direction.

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