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Column vector - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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A column vector is a mathematical concept used to represent a set of numbers arranged vertically in a single column. It is an essential part of vector mathematics, often introduced in courses like GCSE Maths. Each number in a column vector is called an element, and together they describe a specific direction and magnitude in a multi-dimensional space, typically two-dimensional or three-dimensional for GCSE purposes.
For example, in a two-dimensional space, a column vector can be written as:

open parentheses table row x row y end table close parentheses

where:

  • x and y are the elements representing coordinates or components.

Column vectors are widely used to perform operations such as addition and scalar multiplication, and to solve problems involving geometry and movement in planes or space.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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