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Geometry & MeasuresIntroduction

Direction and Distance

Part of Vectors (Basics) — GCSE Mathematics

This introduction covers Direction and Distance within Vectors (Basics) for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Vectors (Basics) in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 6 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 6

Practice

12 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

Direction and Distance

A vector describes movement with both magnitude (how far) and direction (which way). If I say "walk 5km north", that's a vector! Vectors are everywhere: wind speed, velocity, force. They're written with arrows or in column form.
Vectors diagram

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Vectors (Basics). That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Vector NotationVector OperationsMethod: Finding Magnitude

Practice Questions for Vectors (Basics)

A column vector is written as (3 / −2) (3 on top, −2 on bottom). What does this vector represent?

  • A. 3 units left and 2 units up
  • B. 3 units right and 2 units down
  • C. 3 units up and 2 units right
  • D. 2 units right and 3 units up
1 markfoundation

Explain what it means for two vectors to be parallel. Give an example of a vector that is parallel to a = (2, −3), and one that is parallel but in the opposite direction.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Vector Addition
Add components separately. (a,b) + (c,d) = (a+c, b+d). Represents combined movement.
Vector Magnitude
|v| = √(x² + y²). Length of vector using Pythagoras. Always positive!

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Vector Notation