VECTORS (1)

Introduction

Vectors is one of the most challenging topics in mathematics and many candidates
avoids this option in paper 2 section B. This is arguably the simplest topic of the
syllabus and contributes more than 7% to the final exam mark.

However most students struggle with these simple principles and eventually miss
significant marks due to complacency and ignorance of the underlying principles.

This short eBook will try shedding more light on specific areas of the topic.

Let’s start!
Section 1: Topic principles

A vector has quantity and direction. Our major focuses on the topic are quantity
and direction.

I will break down the topic into 7 major lessons as follows

A. Finding a Vector

You can be given coordinates of points on a Cartesian plane and be asked to

find a vector. Let’s quickly look at this example.

O is the origin, and A and B are points (5;12) and (1;4) respectively. Find ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ in
column vector form.

Solution

A vector can be found by subtracting the coordinates of the first point from the
last point like this

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = B – A

=( )-( )

=( )

NB: This is the column vector form ( )

B. Vector scalar and parallel vectors

A vector can have a scalar (coeeficient) outside the bracket. This multiplies
every term in the column bracket. Lets look at the following example

Simplify 3( )

Note: 3 is called a scalar and multiplies both quantities of a vector

Solution:

( )=( )

A scalar can also be an explanation that the vectors are parallel. Parallel vectors
have a scalar. Let’s look at this scenario.

It is given that P = ( ) and Q =( ). Justify why P and Q are parallel.

Explanation:

Because quantities of vector Q are multiples (can be factors) of P thereby it can

be equal to P if a scalar is factored out.

Q can be expressed as 8( ).

C. Vector Arithmetic

This is the addition and subtraction of vectors. Let’s dive into an example

Given that a = ( ) and b =( ), express a + b as a column vector

Solution:

( )+( )=( )

This concept is usually tested with scalars like this

Given that c = ( ) and d = ( ), express 2c – 3d as a column vector [J96/P2]

Solution:

2( ) - 3( ) = ( ) - ( )

= ( )
D. Magnitude

This is the size of a vector. We use the Pythagoras theorem to find the
modulus/magnitude of a vector. Lets consider the foillowing

It is given that a = ( ) and b = ( ). Find | | [N96/P1]

Solution:

√ =√

= 13 units

NB: express your answer in units

E. Midpoint of a vector

The midpoint of a vector is found by introducing as a scalar to a vector. Lets

look at this

Given that ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ), find the midpoint of ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

Solution:

( )=( )

F. Displacement vectors

We have been dealing with position vectors and lets now look at displacement
vectors.

Finding a vector using a sketch

It is given that ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ =( ) and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ) where O is the origin.

(a) Express ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ as a column vector

(b) Find
(i) |⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |
 (ii) The coordinates of M, midpoint of PQ [N2015/P1/Q4]

Solution:

P
Vector diagram:
O
Q

The green arrows show the direction vector PQ will take. That is the
negative OP (going opposite the arrow) and positive OQ (going same direction
with the arrow)

Therefore vector PQ can be calculated as - ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ +⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ , which can be also re-
written as ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ - ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

=( )-( )=( )

Example 2: [NOV2008/P1]

It is given that ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ) and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ). Find

(i) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
(ii) ⃑⃑⃑⃑ , given that 2⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

Solution:
Tip: first illustrate your vectors on a diagram
B

A
C
 Vector AC is found by going through B and then C. This means we
are adding the vectors as highlighted by the direction of the arrow. [NB: we only
subtract if the direction is going against the arrow]

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

=( )+( )

=( )

ii) Tip: first solve the ratio and make vector CX the subject of the formulae

2⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ [divide both sides by 2]

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

= ( )

=( )

G. Vectors and Algebra

Vectors can be used to solve simultaneous equations or you might be
required to find an unknown quantity given a magnitude or expression.

Example 1
If v = ( ) and | | = 17, find the two possible values of u. [2]
Solution:
Using the values of vector v,
| |=√ = 17
8 + u = 172
2 2

64 + u2 = 289
u2 = 225
u = +15 or -15
NB: algebra can be tested in any areas of vectors including arithmetic, scalar
and midpoint
SECTION 2: PAST EXAM QUESTIONS

1. It is given that P(4; 8) and R(-4; -2) are points on the Cartesian plane. Find
(i) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ as a column vector
(ii) |⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | [3] [N08/2/2b)]

2. (a) Two points P and Q have position vectors p and q respectively relative to
the origin O. Given that
p = ( ) and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ), find
(i) q
(ii) |⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |

b.) Given also that

r = ( ), t = ( ) and mp + nr = t
write down two equations in m and n and solve them simultaneously [7]
[J07/2/8b)]

C
3.
N

A B
M

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ) and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( ). M and N are the midpoints of AB and AC

respectively

(a) Find
(i) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
(ii) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
(b) Explain why MN is parallel to BC [4] [N2014/P1/Q14]
4. Two points A(5; 2) and B(-3; 8) lie on a straight line. Find
(i) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ as a column vector
(ii) The length of line AB [J2000/P1]

5. It is given that a = ( ), b = ( ) and c = ( )

(a) Express a - c as a column vector
(b) Given also that | | = 13, find the possible values of p [J05/P1]

6. It is given that p = ( ) and q = ( ), find

(a) x, if p is parallel to q
(b) | |, leaving your answer in surd form
SOLUTION TO QUESTIONS

1. ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = R – P
=( )-( )
=( )

ii.) |⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √
=√
= 12,8 units

2. P

O Q

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

=( )+( )

=( )

ii.) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = √

=√

= 3,2 units

b.) m( ) + n( ) =( )
( )+( )=( )

2m – 3n = 1
5m + 2n = 6
 3. (a)i) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = - ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ [use given diagram to determine the direction. M
and N are midpoints therby we use half]
- ( )+ ( )

=( )+( )

=( )

ii.) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = -⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

= -( ) + ( )

=( )

( b) consider the scalar. It explains why the vectors are parallel.

You can also use midpoints to explain the concepts

4. ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = B – A
=( )-( )
=( )
b.) |⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √
=√
= 10 units

5. ( ) - ( )
( )-( )
=( )

(b.) √ = 13
25 + p = 132
2
 25 + p2 = 169
p2 = 144
p = +12 or -12

6. Tip: First find the scalar for the second vector

= 1,5

Therefore ( ) × 1,5 = ( )
x = -9

(b.) √
√
= 6,5 units

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