This key facts covers Vector Operations 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 3 of 7 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Vector Operations
| Operation | Method | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Add components | (3,4) + (1,2) = (4,6) |
| Subtraction | Subtract components | (5,7) - (2,3) = (3,4) |
| Scalar Multiple | Multiply each component | 3(2,1) = (6,3) |
| Magnitude | |a| = √(x² + y²) | |(3,4)| = √(9+16) = 5 |
Practice questions for Vectors (Basics)
A column vector is written as (3 / −2) (3 on top, −2 on bottom). What does this vector represent?
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.
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!