25 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
25 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
A vector is a mathematical concept that denotes direction and magnitude. They're often notated using an arrow ($\vec{v}$), or with a bold, lowercase letter. (**v**).
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Vectors are often denoted as a matrix with two rows: $\begin{bmatrix}1 \\2\end{bmatrix}$
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# Magnitude
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The magnitude of a vector is $|\vec{v}| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$
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# Direction
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The direction of a vector is $\theta = \tan^-1(\frac{b}{a})$.
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# Addition
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To find $\vec{u} + \vec{v}$, we can put one vector on the end of another vector. The resulting vector will share the same tail as the first vector, and the same head as the second vector.
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# Scalar Multiplication
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A **scalar** is just a real number. Scalar multiplication is multiplying a vector with a real number. This will scale or shrink a vector, but does not change the direction it points at.
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We do not multiply two vectors together.
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# Unit Vector
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A vector with a magnitude of 1 is a **unit vector**.
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If $\vec{v}$ is a nonzero vector, the unit vector can be found using the equation $\vec{u} = \dfrac{1}{|\vec{v}|}\vec{v}$ . In other words, to find a unit vector, divide the vector by its magnitude.
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# $i$, $j$ Notation
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Every 2d vector has a horizontal component and a vertical component. The horizontal unit vector could be written as $i = < 1, 0 >$, and the vertical unit vector could be written as $j = <0, 1 >$. Every vector can be made up using a combination of these standard unit vectors. |