Vectors
Describe displacement with fixed-axis components, combine compatible vectors, and use small exact examples to introduce span, independence, basis and real vector spaces.
Key knowledge
A planar Euclidean vector can be represented by ordered components in a chosen basis. Vector addition adds corresponding components, and scalar multiplication multiplies every component by the scalar.
Values and equations
u + v = (uₓ + vₓ, uᵧ + vᵧ); λv = (λvₓ, λvᵧ)
- u, v
- Planar vectors in a common basis
- λ
- Real scalar
|v| = √(vₓ² + vᵧ²)
- vₓ, vᵧ
- Components in an orthonormal Cartesian basis
- |v|
- Euclidean magnitude
Conditions and scope
- Use the same basis for component operations.
- In an orthonormal Cartesian basis the magnitude is √(vₓ² + vᵧ²); this formula does not apply unchanged to a nonorthonormal basis.
- Physical vectors being added must have compatible units.
Sources · 8
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- OpenStax University Physics Volume 1 — Vectors and componentsWilliam Moebs, Samuel J. Ling and Jeff Sanny — OpenStax / Rice UniversityTextbook chapterUniversity Physics Volume 1, 2.1 Scalars and VectorsUniversity Physics Volume 1, 2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)2 sources
- Mathematics Course 111: Algebra I, Part IV: Vector Spaces (1996–97)D. R. Wilkins — School of Mathematics, Trinity College Dublin, IrelandCourse notes · PDF
- Precalculus 2e, 8.8: VectorsOpenStaxTextbook chapter
- 18.06 Linear Algebra, Lecture 30: Linear transformations and their matrices (transcript)Gilbert Strang / MIT OpenCourseWareCourse notes · PDF
- MAM1000W Calculus notesJonathan Shock, University of Cape TownTeaching resource
Evidence and review
Two-dimensional Cartesian vector operations and norm.
2026-10-10 · Checked component formulas; scope excludes general abstract vector spaces and curved-space transport.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Scope or convention differs
Cartesian components add and scale componentwise, with the Pythagorean norm.
The source uses standard axes; repository basis and compatible-unit conditions prevent overgeneralising its norm formula.
University of Cape Town, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
- MAM1000W Calculus notes South AfricaEnglish
Chapter 13, printed pp.164–167 (PDF pp.167–170), equations (411)–(416)
- MAM1000W Calculus notes
Related articles
Vectors and vector spaces ↗Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- vectors
- Revision
- reference-core.1
- Published lesson seed
- vectors-spaces