Linear Algebra

Vectors

A simple introduction to vectors, their meaning, notation and basic operations.

Beginner12 minMathematics

What you’ll learn

1

Understand what a vector represents.

2

Read and write vectors in coordinate form.

3

Calculate vector magnitude.

Concept

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. In two dimensions, we often represent a vector using two numbers.

Vector notation

v = (3, 4)

Here, the vector moves 3 units horizontally and 4 units vertically.

Key idea

A vector tells us not only “how much,” but also “which way.”

Visual explanation

(0,0)(3,4)

Worked example

Finding magnitude

Find the magnitude of the vector v = (3, 4).

|v| = √(3² + 4²)

|v| = √(9 + 16)

|v| = √25

|v| = 5

Try it yourself

Find the magnitude of v = (6, 8).

Show solution
√(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10

Kiçik test

Biliklərini yoxla

Sual sırası hər dəfə dəyişir. Nəticəni testin sonunda görəcəksən.

Hazırsansa, 5 qısa sualdan ibarət testi başlat. Daxil olmadan da sınaqdan keçirə bilərsən.

Summary

  • • Vectors have magnitude and direction.
  • • A 2D vector can be written as (x, y).
  • • Magnitude is found using the Pythagorean theorem.

Next lesson

Vector Addition →

Demo only — coming soon.