Print this page

Topic: Vectors (Higher - Unit 3)

Specification References: G5.1h G5.1h Understand and use vector notation; calculate, and represent graphically the sum of two vectors, the difference of two vectors and a scalar multiple of a vector; calculate the resultant of two vectors; understand and use the commutative and associative properties of vector addition; solve simple geometrical problems in 2D using vector methods.

Candidates should be able to:

• understand and use vector notation
• calculate, and represent graphically the sum of two vectors, the difference of two vectors and a scalar multiple of a vector
• calculate the resultant of two vectors
• understand and use the commutative and associative properties of vector addition
• solve simple geometrical problems in 2D using vector methods
• apply vector methods for simple geometric proofs
• recognise when lines are parallel using vectors
• recognise when three or more points are collinear using vectors

Notes

Column vectors may be used to describe translations.

Use of bold type and arrows such as  will be used to represent vectors in geometrical problems.

Examples

1. Find the coordinates of the fourth vertex of a parallelogram with vertices at (2, 1) (–7, 3) and (5, 6).
   (A diagram would be given.)

view more examples