Vector Algebra

Often while searching for someplace, people ask for directions. The usual answer is to go in a particular and for some distance. So, it can be concluded that only direction is not enough, the magnitude of the distance to be traveled in that direction is also equally important. In mathematical terms, this information about the direction and the magnitude is usually conveyed through vectors. Vectors are very useful in the field of game design and artificial intelligence. Let’s study the concept of vector in detail. 

Introduction to Vectors

In physics and mathematics, we frequently come across several types of quantities. All these quantities can be classified into two major categories — scalar quantities and vector quantities. Consider an example – the height and weight of a person can be described by a single number like 75 Kg or 150cm. These quantities only have magnitude, they do not require any extra information. Such quantities are called scalar quantities. Now, let’s consider another situation, for example, the coach of the football team wants to teach his goalkeeper to pass the ball to another player, now he will have to describe towards the region he should send the ball (Direction) and how hard he should hit (magnitude). This quantity requires both magnitude and direction. Such quantities are called vectors. 

A vector is a quantity which has a direction and a magnitude. 

In the above figure, the length of the line shows the magnitude of the vector, and the arrowhead points to its direction. It is basically a directed line segment . Its starting point A is called the initial point and point B where it ends is called the terminal point. 

Types of Vectors

Vectors can be classified into different categories on the basis of their magnitude and direction: 

1. Zero Vector: A vector whose initial and terminal points coincide, is called a zero vector. It cannot be assigned any direction or magnitude.
2. Unit Vector: A vector that has a unit magnitude. A unit vector in the direction of given vector  is denoted by .
3. Co-initial Vectors: The vectors which start from the same point are called co-initial vectors.
4. Collinear Vectors: Two vectors are said to collinear if they are parallel to the same line, irrespective of their magnitudes and direction.
5. Equal Vector: Two vectors are considered equal if they have the same direction and magnitude.
6. Negative of a Vector: It is a vector whose magnitude is the same, but the direction is opposite to that of a vector.

Addition of Vectors

A vector  can be thought of as a displacement from point A to point B. To understand the need for addition and subtraction of vectors, consider an example. In the figure, Laxmi goes from point A to point B and then to point C following the vectors shown in the figure. Now, after reaching point C, the net displacement made by this girl is from A to C which is given by the vector . 

This can be expressed in terms of vectors as, 

 = 

This is known as the triangle law of vector addition. In general, for two vectors  and  their addition is done such that the initial point of one vector coincides with the terminal points of the other. 

In the above figure, we have two vectors a and b given in part(i), in the part(ii) the vector b is shifted without changing its direction and magnitude such that now the initial point of vector  lies on the endpoint of vector a. In the case of subtraction, the direction of vector b is reverse and then both vectors are added. 

Addition and difference have almost similar concepts and methods, except that while calculating the difference the direction of one vector is reversed. 

If those two vectors are represented as adjacent sides of parallelograms, then their sum in magnitude and direction represents the diagonal of the parallelogram. This is known as the parallelogram law of vector addition. 

Properties of Vector Addition 

Property 1: Vector addition follows commutative property. For two vectors  and .  

Property 2: Vector addition of three vectors follow the associative property. 

Multiplication of Vectors with a scalar

Let’s say  is a given vector and “k” be a scalar. The product of the scalar will either increase or decrease the magnitude of the vector. The direction of the vector will remain the same. The increase or decrease in the magnitude of the vector will depend upon the value of the scalar that is multiplied by the vector. The figure below shows the vector A multiplied by some scalar quantity. Notice how the length of the vector changes after being multiplied by a scalar. 

The magnitude of the vector will become, 

When k = -1, the direction of the vector is reversed, 

This is called the additive inverse of the vector. 

Let’s see some sample problems on these concepts

Sample Problems

Question 1: Out of the following quantities, find the quantities which are vectors: 

1. Weight
2. Force
3. Velocity
4. Height

Answer:

1. Weight does not need directions to be expressed. Hence, it’s a scalar quantity. 

2. Force needs the direction to where it must be applied. Thus, it’s a vector quantity. 

3. Velocity also has direction. It is also a vector quantity. 

4. Height can be simply expressed as a number, there is no need to give direction. Thus, it’s a scalar quantity. 

So, Only Force and Velocity are vectors. 

Question 2: State whether the following statement is True or False. 

“Collinear are vector are those vectors which start from the same point”

Answer: 

This state is False. 

According to the definition mentioned above, 

“Two vectors are said to collinear if they are parallel to the same line, irrespective of their magnitudes and direction.”

They need to be parallel to same line. It is not necessary that the vectors which start from same point are parallel to same line. 

Figure 

Question 3: The figure below shows four vectors, 

State true or false based on this figure. 

1.  and  are collinear
2.  and  are co-initial vectors.

Answer: 

(i)  and  are collinear 

Collinear vectors are parallel to the same line, these vectors are not parallel to each other. They cannot be parallel to the same line. Thus, false. 

(ii)  and  are co-initial vectors.

 and  don’t have the same initial points. Thus are not co-initial vectors. 

Question 4: Represent graphically, 40Km displacement 45° east to the North. 

Solution: 

The value of the displacement is 40Km. Let’s say this point is represented by  Magnitude of this vector is 40Km. 

Question 5: Let’s say two vectors are defined  and 

Simplify and Find 

Solution: 

Given, 

 ….(1)

 ….(2) 

Goal is to find 

Substituting the values of these vectors from equation (1) and (2)

⇒

⇒

Question 6: For the given vectors

Choose which of the following best represents the

Answer: 

To add two vectors, b must be translated such that initial point between them becomes the same. 

So, the option A represents the closest option to the addition of these two vectors.