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Geometry & MeasuresKey Facts

Vector Notation

Part of Vectors (Basics) — GCSE Mathematics

This key facts covers Vector Notation 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 2 of 6 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 6

Practice

12 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

Vector Notation

Notation Meaning Example
Bold: a or a Vector (printed) a = (3, 4)
Underline: a Vector (handwritten) a = 3i + 4j
Column: (x, y) Component form (3, 4) or [3; 4]
AB with arrow Vector from A to B →AB = B - A

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.

Direction and DistanceVector OperationsMethod: Finding MagnitudeWorked Example: Vector Addition

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

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Direction and Distance

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Vector Operations