notes/education/math/MATH1060 (trig)/Vectors.md
2024-11-25 10:01:37 -07:00

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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).

Vectors are often denoted as a matrix with two rows: \begin{bmatrix}1 \\2\end{bmatrix}

Magnitude

The magnitude of a vector is |\vec{v}| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}

Direction

The direction of a vector is \theta = \tan^-1(\frac{b}{a}).

Addition

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.

Scalar Multiplication

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.

We do not multiply two vectors together.

Unit Vector

A vector with a magnitude of 1 is a unit vector.

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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