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Magnitude & Direction (CIE A Level Maths: Pure 3)
Revision Note
Magnitude & Direction
What is the magnitude of a vector?
- The magnitude of a vector is simply its size
- It also tells us the distance between two points
- You can find the magnitude of a vector using Pythagoras’ theorem
- The magnitude of a vector is written when typed (or when handwritten)
- To work out the unit vector in the direction of a given vector
- A unit vector has a magnitude of 1
So to find the unit vector of a given vector, divide by its magnitude
What is the direction of a vector?
- Vectors have opposite direction if they are the same size but opposite signs
- e.g. if or then or
- The direction of a vector is what makes it more than just a scalar
- Eg. two objects with velocities of 7 m/s and ‑7 m/s are travelling at the same speed but in opposite directions
- Two vectors are parallel if and only if one is a scalar multiple of the other
- For real-life contexts such as mechanics, direction can be calculated from a given vector using trigonometry (see Right-Angled Triangles)
- It is usually calculated anticlockwise from the positive x-axis (unless otherwise stated eg. a bearing)
How do I write a vector in component form?
- We have already seen that vectors can be written in different forms
- Component form means writing a vector in terms of i and j components
- Given the magnitude and direction of a vector you can work out its components and vice versa
Examiner Tip
- Diagrams can help, especially when working out direction – if there isn’t a diagram, draw one.
- Remember, resolving a vector just means writing it in component form.
Worked example
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