Vectors

A VECTOR is a way of representing

movement between two places
a
We visualise a vector with a
straight line, the direction of b
motion indicated by an arrow

a represents a small movement up

c
b represents a large movement left

We can also use a matrix system to

define a vector:
x is the movement RIGHT
y is the movement UP
This vector represents a

½a -a
What does 2a look like?

a
What does ½a look like? 2a

What does -a look like?

a = WX =
W
a
b = XY = X
c b
c = WY =

Y
a + b = c
 AC = AB + BC
= b + d

BX = ½ BC = ½d

AX = AB + BX DY = 2
/3 DC = 2 /3 b

= b + ½d
2
/3 b 1
/3 b

AY = AD + DY
½d
= d + 2/3 b

XY = XC +- CY
YC
= ½ d - 2/3 b
 PARALLEL VECTORS

These three vectors are all parallel

a
a=
b

b= = 3a c

c= = -2a

Two vectors are parallel if they can be written as multiples

of each other.
 BM = BC + CM
= p + ½q
= ½(2p + q)
AD = AC + CD
= 2p + q
BM = ½ AD
EM = ED + DM So, BM is parallel to AD
= p - ½q = ½(2p - q)
FC = FD + DC
= 2p - q
EM = ½ FC So, EM is parallel to FC
What do we need to do to prove that EFGH is a parallelogram?

Prove that EF and HG are parallel AND equal to each

other AND
Prove that EH and FG are parallel AND equal to each
other
    

 
4:1
 

   
 
     
 
 
 
 
 a -a

  c
½c ½c
  -3a

     

  2:1
 A B
 
a
M

O c C

(b) P is a point on AM such that AP is 2/3AM.

Show that O, P and B form a straight
line.
 A B
 
a
M

O c C

     
   
 
 A B
 
P
a
M

O c C

(b) P is a point on AM such that AP is 2/3AM.

Show that O, P and B form a straight
line.
To prove 3 points form a line…
⮚ Find 2 vectors on the line that    
have a common point
⮚ Prove they are parallel to each
other
⮚ If they are parallel AND share a
point, they must form a straight line
 A B
   
P
a
 
M
   

  O c C

(b) P is a point on AM such that AP is 2/3AM.

Show that O, P and B form a straight
line.    
To prove 3 points form a line…
   
⮚ Find 2 vectors on the line that
have a common point  
⮚ Prove they are parallel to each    
other
⮚ If they are parallel AND share a  
point, they must form a straight line