vector2.jpgvector is a way of representing a quantity that has size and direction. e.g. The flight of a plane or the path of a cricket ball

Vectors are also used to show where a shape moves to in a translation.

 

Notation

Vectors are labelled either Y9_Vectors_01.gifor Y9_Vectors_02.gif, sometimes Y9_Vectors_03.gif .

A vector can be represented:

By a line, the length showing the size of the quantity and the arrow showing the direction.Vectors can start anywhere on the number plane. Vector Y9_Vectors_01.gif or Y9_Vectors_02.gif
Y9_Vectors_04.gif
By a 2 by 1 matrix or array, enclosed in brackets. Y9_Vectors_05.gif
Y9_Vectors_02.gif = Y9_Vectors_06.gif             Y9_Vectors_07.gif

Length of a Vector

The length of a vector (called its magnitude) can be found using Pythagoras' Theorem.

Y9_Vectors_08.gif


 

Properties of vectors

Multiplication by a number. 
A vector can be multiplied by an ordinary number (called a constant or a scalar).
Both of the components are multiplied by the number.

e.g.

Y9_Vectors_09.gif
Y9_Vectors_10.gif

Multiplying a vector by a number produces a parallel vector.

Multiplying by negative number changes the direction of the arrow on the vector.


 

Adding Vectors

Vectors can be added together.

By matrices. Add the corresponding elements.

e.g. Y9_Vectors_11.gif

By drawing. Form a triangle. The second vector is added on to the end of the first vector. The resultant vector (labelled c) can be given two arrows. The arrows on the resultant have opposite direction to the vectors being added.

e.g.

Y9_Vectors_12.gif

Y9_Vectors_17.gifis shown in the diagram.

Note

Arrows on a and b go clockwise.

Arrow on resultant c goes anti-clockwise.

Y9_Vectors_13.gif

 


 

Solving Problems using Vectors

Many types of problems, from physics to navigation can be solved by drawing a vector diagram and then using trigonometry, or even a scale diagram.

Example

A jetboat needs to sail straight across the Waikato River in Hamilton.

It is able to travel at a speed of 10 km/h in still water but the river flows at 6 km/h.

a. Draw a vector triangle to show this.

b. What direction must the boat head in?

 

Y9_Vectors_14.gif

a. Vector diagram

Y9_Vectors_15.gif

b.Use a scale drawing, with 1 cm : 1 km/h

Y9_Vectors_16.gif

Using protractor on the scale drawing x = 37° (to nearest degree)

An exciting and fun practice with bearings − button_activity.gif