# Vectors

Vector is an object which has magnitude and direction both. It is represented by a line with an arrow, where the length of the line is the magnitude and arrow shows the direction. We can consider any two vectors as equal if their magnitude and direction are the same. It plays an important role in Mathematics, Physics as well as in Engineering. It is also known as Euclidean vector or Geometric vector or Spatial vector or simply “vector“. According to vector algebra, a vector can be added to the other vector. Let us have a detailed discussion of vector math with its definition, representation, magnitude and its operations.

Table of Contents:

## Vector Math Definition

The vectors are defined as an object containing both magnitude and direction. Vector describes the movement of an object from one point to another.  Vector math can be geometrically picturised by the directed line segment. The length of the segment of the directed line is called the magnitude of a vector and the angle at which the vector is inclined shows the direction of the vector. The beginning point of a vector is called “Tail” and the end side (having arrow) is called “Head.”

A vector math is a  defined as mathematical structure. It has many applications in the physics and geometry. We know that , the location of the points on the coordinate plane can be represented using the ordered pair such as (x, y). The usage of vector are very useful in the simplification process of the three-dimensional geometry. Along with the term vector, we have heard the term scalar. A scalar actually represents the “real numbers”. In simpler words, a vector of “n” dimensions is an ordered collection of n elements called “components“.

## Vectors Examples

The most common examples of the vector are Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Increase/Decrease in Temperature etc. All these quantities, have directions and magnitude both. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate them in their vector form.

## Vector Math Representation

As we know already, a vector has both magnitude and direction. In the above figure, the length of the line AB is the magnitude and head of the arrow points towards the direction. Therefore, vectors between two points A and B is given as,or vector a. The arrow over the head of the vector shows the direction of the vector.

## Magnitude of a Vector

The magnitude of a vector is shown by vertical lines on both the sides of the given vector “|a|”. It represents the length of the vector. Mathematically, the magnitude of a vector is calculated by the help of “Pythagoras Theorem,” i.e.

|a|= √(x2+y2)

## Operations on Vectors

In maths, we have learned the different operations we perform on numbers. Let us learn here the vector operation such as Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication on vectors.

### Vector Addition

The two vectors a and b can be added giving the sum to be a + b. This requires joining them head to tail.

We can translate the vector b till its tail meets the head of a. The line segment that is directed from the tail of vector a to the head of vector b is the vector “a + b”.

Characteristics of Vector Math Addition

• Commutative Law- the order of addition does not matter, i.e, a + b = b + a
• Associative law- the sum of three vectors has nothing to do with which pair of the vectors are added at the beginning.

i.e. (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

### Vector Subtraction

Before going to the operation it is necessary to know about reverse vector(-a).

A reverse vector (-a) which is opposite of a has similar magnitude as a but pointed in the opposite direction.

First, we find the reverse vector.

Then add them as the usual addition.

Such as if we wanna find vector b – a

Then, b – a = b + (-a)

### Scalar Multiplication

Multiplication of a vector by a scalar quantity is called “Scaling.” In this type of multiplication, only the magnitude of a vector is changed not the direction.

• S(a+b) = Sa + Sb
• (S+T)a = Sa + Ta
• a.1 = a
• a.0 = 0
• a.(-1) = -a

### Vector Multiplication

It is of two types “Cross product” and “Dot product.”

### Cross Product

The cross product of two vectors results in a vector quantity. It is represented by a cross sign between two vectors.

a × b

The mathematical value of a cross product-

where,

| a | is the magnitude of vector a.

| b | is the magnitude of vector b.

θ is the angle between two vectors a & b.

and $\hat{n}$ is a unit vector showing the direction of the multiplication of two vectors.

### Dot product

The dot product of two vectors always result in scalar quantity, i.e. it has only magnitude and no direction. It is represented by a dot in between two vectors.

a. b

The mathematical value of the dot product is given as

 a . b = | a | | b | cos θ

## Vectors Components

Breaking a vector into its x and y components in the vector space is the most common way for solving vectors.

A vector “a” is inclined with horizontal having an angle equal to θ.

This given vector “a” can be broken down into two components i.e. ax and ay.

The component ax is called a “Horizontal component” whose value is a cos θ.

The component ay is called a “Vertical component” whose value is a sin θ.

## Vector Math Problems

Example 1:

Given vector V, having a magnitude of 10 units & inclined at 60°. Break down the given vector into its two component.

Solution:

Given,Vector V  having magnitude|V| = 10 units and θ = 60°

Horizontal component (Vx) = V cos θ

Vx = 10 cos 60°

Vx = 10 × 0.5

Vx = 5 units

Now, Vertical component(Vy) = V sin θ

Vy = 10 sin 60°

Vy = 10 × √3/2

Vy = 10√3 units

Example 2:

Find the magnitude of vector a (3,4).

Solution-

Given Vector a = (3,4)

|a|= √(x2+y2)

|a|= √(32+42)

|a|= √(9+16) = √25

Therefore, | a |= 5

Example 3:

Find the scalar and vector multiplication of two vectors a and b given by 3i – 1j + 2k and 1i + -2j + 3k respectively.

Solution-

Given vector a (3,-1,2) and vector b (1,-2,3)

Where θ is the angle between the vectors. But we don’t know the angle between the vectors thus another method of multiplication can be used.

a.b = (3i – 1j + 2k) . (1i -2j +3k)

a.b = 3(i.i) + 2(j.j) + 6(k.k)

a.b = 3 + 2 + 6

a.b = 11

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## Frequently Asked Questions on Vectors

### What is a vector in Maths?

A vector is a quantity which has both magnitude and direction. It defines the movement of the object from one point to another.

### What are the examples of vectors?

The examples of vectors are force, velocity, acceleration, etc., since these quantities have both magnitude and direction.

### What are the types of vectors?

The ten types of vectors in Maths are:
Zero Vector
Unit Vector
Position Vector
Co-initial Vector
Like and Unlike Vectors
Co-planar Vector
Collinear Vector
Equal Vector
Displacement Vector
Negative of a Vector

### What is the magnitude of the vector?

The magnitude of a vector is shown by vertical lines on both the sides of the given vector “|a|”. It represents the length of the vector.