A1 Vectors

Question 1

Define Equal Vectors

Answer 1

• Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and the same direction.
• They may be in a different position in space.

Question 2

Define Position Vectors

Answer 2

• A position vector is a vector that starts at the origin.
• So a point (a, b) has position vector:
  ( a )
  ( b )

Question 3

Define parallel vectors

Answer 3

• Two vectors are parallel if they have the same direction (or the opposite direction).
• In component form, they are multiples of each other.

Question 4

Define Unit Vector and state an example.

Answer 4

• A vector with a magnitude 1:
  ( 1 / √ 2 )
  ( 1 / √2 )