Basic Vectors (OCR A Level Maths: Pure)

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Basic Vectors

What is a vector?

  • Vectors represent a movement of a certain magnitude (size) in a given direction
  • You should have already come across vectors when translating functions of graphs
  • They appear in many contexts of maths including mechanics for modelling forces
  • Vectors can be represented in different ways such as a column vector or as an i and j unit vector

Basic Vectors Diagram 1, AS & A Level Maths revision notes

Examiner Tip

  • Think of vectors like a journey from one place to another.
  • Diagrams can help, if there isn’t one, draw one.
  • In your exam you can’t write in bold so should underline your vector notation.

Worked example

11-1-1-basic-vectors-example-diagram

11-1-1-basic-vectors-example-solution-1

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Lucy

Author: Lucy

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels. Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all. Lucy has created revision content for a variety of domestic and international Exam Boards including Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CIE and IB.