Vectors

A vector is an expression which represents a point in a plane. In Specialist Maths we deal with vectors in
R2 (2D cartesian plane) and R3 (3D plane).
All vectors have a direction described by separate components. i is the horizontal component (x-value), j is
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the vertical component (y-value), and k is the height component in a 3D plane (z-value).
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The magnitude of a vector u = ai + bj + ck is given by a2 + b2 + c2 . This is denoted |u|

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We reference different points on the plane with respect to one common point; usually this is the origin O.

For example, the point P (1, 2) in the cartesian plane can be described as the vector OP = i + 2j . This
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represents the direction and magnitude (length) required to go from O to P .

To move from one point to another, i.e. to find AB where A and B are points on a plane, we can only follow
the path of vector lines that have been defined.

Moving from B to A, i.e. the vector BA, is equal to AB.

Operations with vectors
Graphically, we add vectors by placing them head-to-tail. The destination point can be represented as its
own vector (the resultant vector).
Algebraically, we add together the values of each component to get the resultant vector.
ai + bj + ck + pi + qj + rk = (a + p)i + (b + q)j + (c + r)k
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To subtract vectors, for example u v , simply re-write the expression as u + v .
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To multiply vectors by a scalar, multiply each component by that scalar. Graphically, this makes the length
(magnitude) of the vector smaller/larger while maintaining its direction.
Vectors on CAS
Enter vectors as row matrices using the shortcut [ ]. Separate each component with a comma.
Unit Vectors
A unit vector, u
is a vector with a magnitude of 1. To re-scale a vector of any size to 1, we divide it by its
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magnitude. u
=
u
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- A vector of magnitude 26 in the opposite direction to 4i 3j + 12k is
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A. 26(4i 3j + 12k )
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B. 26(4i + 3j 12k )
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C. 2(4i 3j + 12k )
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D. 2(4i + 3j 12k )
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1
E. (4i 3j + 12k )
26 e
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CAS Tip
Menu 7 C 1: unitv([vector])
Dot Product
u v = |u||v | cos() where is the angle (less than 180 degrees) obtained by placing the vectors tail-to-tail.
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If a = 3i 2j + k and b = i + 2j + 2k then the value of cos() where is the angle between a and b is:
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1

Find the unit vector with a positive horizontal component i that is perpendicular to both 2i + 3j 4k and
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3i + j 5k .
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Menu 7 C 3: dotp([vector1], [vector2])
2D vectors: A vector that bisects two vectors
A vector that bisects a and b is given by a
+ b. If a unit vector is required, re-scale the resultant vector so
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that it has a magnitude of 1.
Vector Resolutes
Finding the vector resolute of a in the direction of b is effectively re-writing the vector a using b as the new
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axis. There are three components:
Scalar resolute of a in the direction of b: a b.
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Parallel vector resolute of a in the direction of b: Scalar resolute b.
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Perpendicular vector resolute of a in the direction of b: Parallel resolute + a.
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The scalar resolute of p in the direction of i + 2j 2k is 3. The vector resolute of p perpendicular to
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i + 2j 2k is 2i j . eFind p.
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A line in 3D space has a direction vector 2i +3j 6k and contains the point P (1, 1, 0). The point Q(2, 1, 3)
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is not on the line. Use vector resolutes to finde the shortest distance between the line and the point Q.
Linear Independence
A set of non-zero vectors a, b, c are considered linearly independent if the equation ma + nb = c has no
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solutions for the real numbers
of the other two.
If solutions do exist for m and n, the set is considered linearly dependent.
Let u = 2i + 2j + mk and v = 2i + mj + 2k and w = mi + 2j + 2k . Find the value of m for which the vectors
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u, v and w areelinearly dependent. e
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Consider the non-zero vectors p, q and r. If p = 4q 7r, which of the following statements must be true?
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A. p, q and r are linearly dependent.
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B. q and r are linearly dependent.
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C. q is parallel to r.
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D. q and r are linearly independent.
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E. p, q and r are linearly independent.
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Vector Proofs

OABC is a square with OA = a and OC = c. Which of the following statements is false?

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A. a c = 0
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B. |a| = |c|
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2
C. |a| + |c|2 = |a + c|2
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a (a + c)
2
D. e e e =
|a||a + c|
2
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E. a (a + c) a = c
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2

AB is the diameter of a circle whose centre is O. C is another distinct point on that circle. Given that

AB = a and OC = c, express AB and BC in terms of a and c.

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Hence, show that the angle ACB is a right angle.

- Given OA = a, OB = b, OC = c and OD = d, in order to establish that the diagonals of the quadrilateral

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are perpendicular,
A. a b = 0
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B. a d = 0
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C. (b a) d = 0
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D. (d a) b = 0
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E (d b) a = 0
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