Introduction to Vectors

PreCal – Unit 7
Mrs. Calhoun
 What are Vectors?
• Vectors are pairs of a direction and a
magnitude. We usually represent a vector
with an arrow:

• The direction of the arrow is the direction

of the vector, the length is the magnitude.
Ex. A ball flies through the air at a certain speed and in a particular direction.
The speed and direction are the velocity of the ball. The velocity is a vector
quantity since it has both a magnitude and a direction.
 Vector FACTS
Vectors have non-negative magnitude (size) and a specific
direction.

To represent them, we use directed line segments.

The segments have an initial point and a terminal point.
At the terminal point, we represent the direction of the vector
with an “arrow head.”
Q

P Example: The vector from P to Q.

 Notations
Notations for Vectors
– using points: PQ (use a half arrow over the points in
order)
– using vector name (typed): v (bold lowercase letter)

– using vector name (handwritten): v (lowercase letter

with half arrow)

Notation for Magnitude

v PQ v
y
(u1, u2)

x Vector FACTS
Vectors are said to be in “Standard Position” if its
initial point is located at the origin.

Most vectors can be thought of as position vectors

because any vector can be re-positioned at the origin.

By initiating a vector at the origin, we can easily

manipulate the horizontal and vertical components of
the vector.
 VECTOR EQUALITY

• Two vectors, u and v, are equal if the line

segments representing them are parallel and
have the same length or magnitude.
v

6
 Multiples of Vectors
Given a real number c, we can multiply a
vector by c by multiplying its magnitude by
c:
2v -2v
v

Notice that multiplying a vector by a

negative real number reverses the direction.
 Adding Vectors
Two vectors can be added using the
Parallelogram Law

u+v
u
v
 Scalar multiplication is the product of a scalar, or
real number, times a vector.
For example, the scalar 3 times v results in the vector 3v,
three times as long and in the same direction as v.
v

3v
The product of - 1 and v gives a vector half as long
2
as and in the opposite direction to v.
v
1
- v
2
9
 v
Vector Addition u

To add vectors u and v:

1. Place the initial point of v at the terminal point of u.

2. Draw the vector with the same initial point as u and

the same terminal point as v.

v u u
v
u+v

10
 v
Vector Subtraction u

To subtract vectors u and v:

1. Place the initial point of v at the initial point of u.

2. Draw the vector u  v from the terminal point of v

to the terminal point of u.

v v
uv
u u
11
 Combinations
These operations can be combined.

2u
2u - v
u
v
-v
Component form and Magnitude of Vectors
y
1. The component form of v is Q (q1, q2)
P (p1, p2)
v = q1  p1,q2  p2
x
2. The magnitude (or length)
of v
||v|| = ( q 1  p1 ) 2  ( q 2  p 2 ) 2

13
 Components
To do computations with vectors, we place
them in the plane and find their
components.
(5,6)
v
(2,2)
 Components
Components are obtained by subtracting
coordinates of the initial point from those
of the terminal point.
(5,6)
v
(2,2)
 Component Form of a vector
Ex. IF given, P = (p1, p2 ); Q = (q1, q2 )

PQ  q1  p1 , q2  p2 
Which can be labeled by just a letter.

V  q1  p1 , q2  p2 
 Finding Components
The first component of v is 5 -2 = 3.
The second is 6 -2 = 4.
Answer : v = <3,4>
(5,6) terminal point
v
(2,2) initial point
 Ex2 . Components
• https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precal
culus/vectors-precalc/vector-
basic/v/example-finding-components-of-a-
vector
 Magnitude
The magnitude of the vector is the length
of the segment, it is written ||v||.

(5,6)
v
(2,2)

NOTE: If || V || = 1, then V is a Unit Vector.

|| V || = 0 iff V is 0
EX.1 Find the Component form and
Magnitude
Let RS  U
u1  8  (5)  13
u2  4  (2)  6 8,4

 5,2
 EX1. (Component)
Let RS  U
u1  8  (5)  13
u2  4  (2)  6 8,4 S

U  13, 6
R

 5,2
 EX1 (magnitude)
Find the Component form and Magnitude
Let RS  U
u1  8  (5)  13
u2  4  (2)  6 8,4
U  13, 6

 5,2 U  132  62

U  205  14.3
 Your turn.
Let P = (0,0) and Q = (3,4)
• Find the Magnitude || PQ ||
 Sponge
Let P = (0,0) and Q = (3,4)
Find the Magnitude || PQ ||

PQ  3  0  4  0
2 2

PQ  9  16  25  5
 The direction angle  of a vector v is the angle
formed by the positive half of the x-axis and the ray
along which v lies.
y
y
θ
v x
θ v
x
y
If v = x, y , then tan  = . y
x (x, y)
v
y
If v = 3, 4 , x
x
then tan  = 4 and  = 51.13.
3

25
Ex2: Finding llull by constructing
a triangle! 
• https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precal
culus/vectors-precalc/magnitude-
vectors/v/example-calcuating-magnitude-
of-vector-from-graph
 Example 3: Your turn again.
Find the component form and magnitude of the vector v with
initial point P = (3, 2) and terminal point Q = (1, 1).

p1 , p2 = 3, 2
q1 , q2 = 1, 1
So, v1 = 1  3 =  4 and v2 = 1  ( 2) = 3.
Therefore, the component form of v is

v1, v2 =  4, 3

The magnitude of v is

||v|| = (  4 ) 2  ( 3) 2 = 25 = 5.
27
 Example4: If u = PQ, v = RS, and w = TU with P = (1, 2),
Q = (4, 3), R = (1, 1), S = (3, 2), T = (-1, -2), and U = (1, -1), determine which
of u, v, and w are equal.
Recall: Two vectors u = u1, u2 and v = v1, v2 are
equal if and only if u1 = v1 and u2 = v2 .

Calculate the component form for each vector:

Yes…I’ll wait! 

/ u.
Therefore v = w but v =/ u and w =
28
 Ex. 5 Comparing Vectors
• https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precal
culus/vectors-precalc/vector-
basic/v/example-finding-components-of-a-
vector
 Operations on Vectors in the
Coordinate Plane
Let u = (x1, y1), v = (x2, y2), and let c be a scalar.

1. Scalar multiplication cu = (cx1, cy1)

2. Addition u + v = (x1+x2, y1+ y2)

3. Subtraction u  v = (x1  x2, y1  y2)

30
 Examples 1-3: Given vectors u = (4, 2) and v = (2, 5)
y
Ex. 1 -2u = -2(4, 2) = (-8, -4)
(4, 2)
u x
(-8, -4) 2u
Ex2. u + v = (4, 2) + (2, 5) = (6, 7) Ex3. u  v = (4, 2)  (2, 5) = (2, -3)
y y
(2, 5)
(6, 7)
(2, 5) v (4, 2)
v (4, 2) u x
uv
u x (2, -3)
31
 Unit Vectors
A unit vector is a vector with magnitude 1.

Given a vector v, we can form a unit vector

by multiplying the vector by 1/||v||.

For example, find the unit vector in the

direction <3,4>
 Unit Vectors
• Definition:
A vector whose magnitude is 1
• Typically we use the horizontal and vertical
unit vectors i and j
i = <1, 0> j = <0, 1>
Then use the vector components to express the
vector as a sum
V = <3,5> = 3i + 5j

33
 Unit Vectors
• Use unit vectors to add vectors
<4, -2> + <6, 9>
4i – 2j + 6i + 9j = 10i + 7j
• [fg] Use to find magnitude
|| -3i + 4j || = ((-3)2 + 42)1/2 = 5
• Used to find direction
2
Direction for -2i + 2j tan   
2
3

4
34
 Sponge
Let P = (0,0) and Q = (3,4)
Find the Magnitude || PQ ||
 Sponge
Let P = (0,0) and Q = (3,4)
Find the Magnitude || PQ ||

PQ  3  0  4  0
2 2

PQ  9  16  25  5
 Recap:
Definitions
Scalar: A quantity/measurement that has
magnitude (size) but no direction.
Ex: Distance (length), speed, time, mass,
temperature, population, price, GNP, IQ, etc.

Vector: A quantity/measurement that has both

magnitude and direction.
Ex: Displacement: Displacement is change
in position; a distance and a direction.
 Definitions

Velocity: Velocity is rate of change

of position; speed with direction.

In physics, all vectors have units; e.g.: m,

m/s, kg-m/s2 (aka newtons), etc.
 Recap
• A vector in the plane is a directed line
segment.
• Consider vector AB
– A is called the initial point
– B is called the terminal point
• Magnitude: length of a vector, expressed
as || PQ ||
• The sum of two vectors is also a vector.
• The vector sum A + B is called the
resultant.
 Basic Terminology
• A vector with its initial point at the origin is
called a position vector.
• A position vector u with its endpoint at the
point (a, b) is written a, b .
• The numbers a and b are the horizontal
component and vertical component of
vector u.
• The positive angle between the x-axis and
a position vector is the direction angle for
the vector.
 Notation:
• Two common notations:
1. Often in printed material (textbooks, etc),
vectors are indicated by bold letters: x, r, v,
F, etc.
2. In writing (sometimes print), vectors are
indicated with arrows over the letter.
 Geometric Representation
• Vectors are represented geometrically as
“directed line segments.” (Note: not
rays.)
• The length of the segment represents its
magnitude (size).
• The slope of the segment and the arrow
represent its direction.
• The end with the arrow is called the tip or
the head of the vector
• The end without the arrow is called the tail.
Magnitude and Direction Angle of Vector a, b

• The magnitude (length) of vector u = a, b

is given by
u = a +b2 2

b
The direction angle  satisfies tan q = ,
where a  0. a
 Example: Magnitude &
Direction
• Find the magnitude and • Vector u has a negative
direction angle for vertical component,
placing the vector in
u = 3, -2 . quadrant ?.
• Magnitude:

• Direction Angle:

• Vector u has a positive

horizontal component.
 Example1: Magnitude &
Direction
• Find the magnitude and • Vector u has a negative
direction angle for vertical component,
placing the vector in
u = 3, -2 . quadrant IV. So we take
the inverse tan (2/3).
• Magnitude:
u = 32 + (-2)2 = 13
• Direction Angle:
b -2
tan q = =
a 3
• Vector u has a positive
horizontal component.
 How to find the magnitude and
direction angle of the vector V.
• The magnitude is the hypotenuse of the right triangle formed by the
components of Vector V. You can use SOHCAHTOA or the inverse tangent
of the y component divided by the x component to find the direction angle of
vector V.

• Take notes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J_y3g
CE_9Q&feature=youtu.be
 Ex. 1
Suppose vector v has a tail at (5,3) and tip
at (1,6). Find the components of vector v.

Think! Tail is the same as (initial/terminal)??

Tip is the same as (terminal/initial) ??

V  q1  p1 , q2  p2 
 Now , find the
magnitude.
•
 Ex 1 . Recap #1

V  q1  p1 , q2  p2 
 Now, try these (#1,2) volunteers
Find the component and magnitude.

• P1(4,2) and P2 (-3, -3)

P4(3, -2) and P2(3, 0)

 Find the Vector
• Given P1 (0, -3) and P2 (1, 5)
Show vector representation in <x, y> format for

<1 – 0, 5 – (-3)> = <1,8>

51
CW Handout – CW Practice
 Sponge
• Find the component form and magnitude
of the vector v that has initial point (4, –7)
and terminal point (–1, 5).
 Example 1 – Solution cont’d

• Then, the components of are

• v1 = q1 – p1 = –1 – 4 = – 5
v2 = q2 – p2 = 5 – (–7) = 12.

Magnitude
• So, and the magnitude of v is 13
 Review Problem_ Day 2
Discuss amongst your group.
You have knowledge to solve.
• Find the direction angle of the vector.

• u = 3i + 3j
Example 2 – Finding Direction Angles of Vectors

• Find the direction angle of the vector.

• u = 3i + 3j

• Solution:
• The direction angle is

So,  = 45 Figure 6.30

 Tasks 1-4
• Your assignments is to collaborate on all 4 tasks
displayed up front in consecutive order! You may
not move on until everyone is done in the group
and fully understands. You’re required to read
the instructions “independently”.  Each
member must include his/her own individual
work for credit. As a group- Task 4 must be
discussed and completed. Only one “task 4” is
required.
Instructions: You may keep the instructions!
However turn in the worksheet with answers/work
attached.
 Vector Tasks – Due today!
(All work must be organized, neat and legible, check your
group members work!
• Task 1- Table Answers on paper .(Work attached separately if
needed)

• Task 2- Desk up front (must have work

shown) Answers on paper .(Work attached separately if needed)
• Task 3 - Desk up front (must have work
shown) Answers on paper .(Work attached separately if
needed)

• Task 4 - Exit Ticket…Complete the

following as a group.
3 things we understand are___
2 things I’m not too sure about are___
1 thing I’m totally lost on is ____.
 Sponge: SOLVE

For the triangle below C = 102, B = 29,

and b = 28 feet. Find the remaining angle
and sides. Round to the nearest
hundredth.
 Example AAS - Solution
1st. The third angle of the triangle can be
found.
A = 180 – B – C
= 180 – 29 – 102
= 49.
By the Law of Sines, you have
Now begin solving for your sides.

.
 Example AAS – Solution cont’d

Using b = 28 , we can find a.

and
 Review 2
Solve.
Find all the missing dimensions of triangle ABC, given
that angle B = 98°, side a = 13 and side c = 20.

B
98° c = 20 b 2  a 2  c 2  2accos B

C b 2  132  20 2  2 13 20cos 98

b A
b 2  641.37
b  25.3
 Example 3: Given SAS
Now that we know B and b, we can use the Law of
Sines to find one of the missing angles:
B
25.3 20
a = 13 98° c = 20 
sin 98 sin C
C A 1 20sin 98
b = 25.3 C  sin 
25.3 
C  51.5
Solution: A  180  98  51.5  30.5
b = 25.3, C = 51.5°, A = 30.5°
 Review: Fundamental Vector Operations
Given vectors V = <a, b>, W = <c, d>

• Magnitude V  a  b
2 2

• Addition
– V + W = <a + c, b + d>

• Scalar multiplication – changes the

magnitude, not the direction
• 3V = <3a, 3b>
64
 Vector operations… take notes
• https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2
Fyoutu.be%2FEYIxFJXoUvA&data=02%7C01%7Clcalhoun%40paul
ding.k12.ga.us%7C5a7fc03b19564bff8e0e08d58a5a6707%7C0a4d
13eb5a664a7092f1392d6edba3aa%7C0%7C0%7C6365670432475
23633&sdata=GDHl%2F3UA5YNygPp9WNyKVt76tmQdThkUuHahi
Bsbtb8%3D&reserved=0
 Recall: Unit Vectors
• The unit vectors and are called
the standard unit vectors and are
denoted by

Figure 6.27
 Topic: Linear Combinations
ARE written forms of a vectors that uses
scalars of the standard unit vectors
i = <1, 0> and j = <0, 1>
to write the position vector.

Example 1. The vector <3, 5> can be

written in the form 3i + 5j

Because
3i + 5j = 3 <1, 0> + 5<0, 1>
= <3, 0> + <0, 5>
= <3, 5>
 EX2. Writing a Linear Combination
of Unit Vectors
• Let u be the vector with initial point (2, –5)
and terminal point (–1, 3). Write u as a
linear combination of the standard unit
vectors i and j.

• Solution:
• Begin by writing the component form of
the vector u.
 Topic: Dot Product

Given: Two vectors in Component form

u  u1 , u 2 and v  v1 , v2

u  v  u1  v1  u 2  v2
Note: The result is a number, not a vector.
 Properties of the Dot Product
Let u, v, and w be vectors in the plane or in space and
let c be a
scalar.
u v  v  u
0 v  0
u  v  w   u  v  u  w
vv  v
2

c u  v   cu  v  u  cv
 Find the Dot Product
Given 4,6  2,3
 Find the Dot Product
Given 4,6  2,3

4  2   6 3

8  18  26
 Ex2. Let u  1,3 , v  2,4 , and w  1,2

Find u  v w First, find u . v


u  v  12  34   14
u  v w  14 1,2  14,28

 Ex3. Find u . 2v = 2(u . v) = 2(-14) = -28


 Think Pair and Share
Computing Dot Products from Components
1.

2.
 Key!
2, 4  3, –1 = 2(3) + 4(–1)

=2
–1, 7, 4  6, 2, –  = (–1)(6) + 7(2) + 4(– )
=6
Topic 2: Finding the Angle Between
two vectors

For angles 0  
uv
Cos 
u v
 EXAMPLE 1
Find the angle between

u  1,5 , v  3,2

Use the formula! I will

wait. 
 uv
Solution: Cos 
u v
Continued…..
 EXAMPLE 2
If q is the angle between two nonzero vectors u and v, then
u× v
cosq =
v = 3,5 u v
Ex. 3 Find the angle between

u = 4,3 & v = 3,5

u = 4,3 4,3 × 3,5 27
cosq = =
4,3 3,5 5 34

27
q = arccos » 22.2°
5 34
Ex3. Find the angle  between u = 2i  j and v = 4i + 3 j.

uv u  v   2 4    1 3  8  3  5
cos  
u v
u  2   1 
2 2
5

v  4  3  16  9  25  5
2 2

v  4i  3j uv 5 1
cos    
u v 5 5 5

 1
  cos 1
 63.4
u  2i  j 5
 Ex. 5
Find the unit vector in the direction of u
( u= the given vector).

Important to remember: All Unit vectors have

a magnitude of 1.
• https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precal
culus/vectors-precalc/unit-vectors/v/unit-
vector-intro
 Your turn!
• EX3. Find a unit vector in the direction of

The unit vector in the direction of v is

Final Solution cont’d

Now RATIONALIZE
EACH!!!
 Topic: Orthogonal Vectors
The vectors u and v are orthogonal if u . v = 0

Ex. Are the vectors u = 2,-3 & v = 6,4

orthogonal?

Find the dot product of the two vectors.

u× v = 2,-3 × 6,4 = 2(6) + (-3)( 4) = 0

Because the dot product is 0, the two

vectors are orthogonal.
CW practice
 Review :Vector Operations
• The vector u + v is often called the
resultant of vector addition
 Vector Operations
• The negative of is
–v = (–1)v Negative

• and the difference of u and v is

Difference

u – v = u + (– v)
 Extension Example
• A vector w has a magnitude of 45 and rests on an incline
of 20. Resolve the vector into its horizontal and vertical
components.
u v
cos 20  sin 20  45
45 45 v
u  45cos 20 v  45sin 20 20
u
u  42.3 v  15.4
• The horizontal component is 42.3 and the vertical
component is 15.4.