GCSE: Using Vectors

Dr J Frost (jfrost@tiffin.kingston.sch.uk)
 The ‘Two Parter’ exam question
Many exams questions follow a two-part format:
a) Find a relatively easy vector using skills from Lesson 1.
b) Find a harder vector that uses a fraction of your vector from part (a).

Edexcel June 2013 1H Q27

𝑆𝑄=−𝒃?+𝒂
⃗
Bro Tip: This ratio
wasn’t in the a  
original diagram. I
like to add the ratio
as a visual aid. 3   (b), there’s two possible paths to
For
:
2 get from to : via or via . But which
is best?
In (a) we found to rather than to ,
so it makes sense to go in this
direction so that?we can use our
result in (a).

2
is also because it is
 exactly
b   the same

⃗
𝑁𝑅= ⃗𝑆𝑄+𝒃?
movement as .

5
Bro Workings Tip: While you’re
welcome to start your working with
the second line, I recommend the
first line so that your chosen route
is clearer.
Further Test Your Understanding
A  𝐵  𝐵
𝑂𝑋
  : 𝑋𝐵=1 :3 B  𝐴𝑌 : 𝑌𝐵=2 :3
 𝒃
 𝑋  𝒃
 𝑌

 𝑂  𝒂   𝐴  𝑂  𝒂   𝐴

2
   
First Step? First Step?

⃗ ⃗
𝑂𝑌=𝒂+ 𝐴𝐵
5
?
?
Exercise
1 2

 is the point on such that . Show  is the midpoint of . is the midpoint of .
that is parallel to the vector . Prove that is parallel to .

is a multiple of parallel.

?
?
Proving three points form a straight line
 
Points A, B and C form a straight line if:
and are parallel (and B is a common point).
? This tends to be easier.
Alternatively, we could show and are parallel.

C
B
A

C
B

A
Straight Line Example

a  −3 𝒃+ 𝒂 ?
b  

is a multiple of is parallel to .
is a common point.
is a straight line.

?
 
is the midpoint of . is the midpoint of .
a) Find in terms of and .
b) Show that is a straight line.
Plenary:
5 6

 and and and . is the midpoint of . Prove

 is a parallelogram. is the point on such
that . that is a straight line.

i) Find the vector . Give your answer in

terms of and . is a multiple of and is a common point,
therefore is a straight line.
?
ii) Given that the midpoint of is , prove
that is a straight line.
?
is a multiple of and is a common point,
therefore is a straight line.