Introduction to Vectors

John WeisenfeldEDU6170, Summer 2011

Introduction• Definition:

– Scalar– Vector

• Notation:

, or just v is ambiguous, hard to differentiate bold/non-bold in notes.

• Representation:– Arrow shows direction– Length is magnitude– Can also do in 3D, not just 2D.

Question

How did you get there?

Question

Tip-To-Tail,Commutative Property

Question

Zero

Superimposing Coordinate Grid

Which Vector has Positive X-Component and

Negative Y-Component

Green (b)

Blue (a)

Neither

Which Vector has a Magnitude of 5?

Green(b)

Blue(a) Neither

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

• You now have a basic understanding of vectors!

Closure / Summary

• Today we have learned– Vectors have direction and magnitude.– They can be added in 3 ways

• Tip-to-tail• Parallelogram• Component method

– These components are very useful.• Before the quiz this week– Give me the top sheet of your handout– Follow the instructions to ExploreLearning and take the quiz

up there.