What is a vector?

• Vectors?have various uses in mathematics
  • In mechanics vectors represent velocity, acceleration and forces
  • At IGCSE vectors are used in geometry – eg. translation
  • Ensure you are familiar with the Revision Notes?Vectors – Basics

   

• Vectors have?magnitude?and?direction
  • These notes look at finding the?magnitude, or?modulus, of a vector
  • Vectors are given in column vector form

   

What is the magnitude or modulus of a vector??

?

• This depends on the use of the vector
  • For velocity, magnitude would be speed
  • For a force, magnitude would be the strength of the force (in Newtons)

   

• The words?magnitude?and?modulus?mean the same thing with vectors
• In geometry?magnitude?and?modulus?mean the?distance?of the vector
  • This is always a?positive?value
  • The direction of the vector is irrelevant

   

• Magnitude or modulus is indicated by vertical lines
  • |a| would mean the magnitude of vector?a

   

How do I find the magnitude or modulus of a vector

• Pythagoras’ Theorem!