Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.1 - An Introduction to Vectors

A reminder of format in geometry:

CAPITAL LETTERS are used to represent points or vertices

lowercase letters are used to represent lines or line segments

So we could refer to the hypotenuse of the triangle as side AB

or side c

→ →
Similarly, vectors are to be expressed as a single lowercase letter (𝑣) or as two uppercase letters. (𝑋𝑌)
Note that in either case, there is an arrow overhead to denote that it is a vector.

DEFINITIONS:

1) Scalar: - a mathematical quantity having only magnitude (size)

For example: speed, temperature, mass, age, area, etc.

2) Vector: - a mathematical quantity having both magnitude and direction.

For example: velocity, wind, friction, etc.
- can be represented by a directed line segment (this is a geometric representation of a
vector; there is no reference to coordinate axes) which has a length (magnitude) and a
direction indicated by an arrowhead.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

3) Opposite Vectors: - vectors that are parallel, have the same magnitude but run in opposite
directions

4) Equal Vectors: - vectors that are parallel, have the same magnitude and same direction

5) Coincident: - two or more equal vectors can be translated to lie on top of eachother, without
changing direction or magnitude (ex velocity vector of an airplane traveling at
400 km/h in an easterly direction from Calgary is identical to an airplane
traveling at 400 km/h in an easterly direction from Toronto.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

EXAMPLES:

1) Using a scale, draw a velocity vector to represent a bus travelling at 50 km/h

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

2) ABCDEF is a regular hexagon Give example of vectors which are:

a) equal

→ → → →
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐸𝐷 𝐹𝐸 = 𝐵𝐶
→ → → →
𝐹𝐴 = 𝐷𝐶 𝐹𝐵 = 𝐸𝐶

b) opposite

→ → → →
𝐴𝐵 = − 𝐷𝐸 (note: |𝐴𝐵| = | 𝐷𝐸|)
→ → → →
𝐹𝐸 = − 𝐶𝐵 (note: |𝐹𝐸| = |𝐶𝐵|)

c) parallel but having different magnitudes

→ → → →
𝐹𝐴 || 𝐸𝐵 (note: |𝐹𝐴| ≠ | 𝐸𝐵|)
→ → → →
𝐸𝐵 || 𝐷𝐶 (note: |𝐸𝐵| ≠ |𝐷𝐶|)

d) equal in magnitude but not parallel

→ → → →
|𝐸𝐷| = |𝐷𝐶| (note: 𝐸𝐷 ≠ 𝐷𝐶|)
→ → → →
|𝐹𝐸| = |𝐴𝐵| (note: 𝐹𝐸 ≠ 𝐴𝐵)

e) different in both magnitude & direction

→ → → →
𝐹𝐵& 𝐷𝐶 𝐴𝐵& 𝐸𝐶

Practice: pg 279 #1-10

Corrections: 6e) 1.5cm ⇾ 7e) 50 km/h E

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.2 - Vector Addition

Consider the following:

A cargo ship has a mechanical problem and must be towed into port by two tugboats. The force
→ →
exerted by the first tugboat is denoted by 𝑓1and that of the second tugboat by 𝑓2.
θ is the angle between the two forces when the vectors are placed tail to tail.

Intuitively, we know that the ship will move in a direction somewhere between the forces. But
→ → →
close to the direction of 𝑓2. since |𝑓2|>|𝑓1|. Also, the combined magnitude of the two forces will be
→ → → →
greater than either |𝑓1|or|𝑓2|, but less than |𝑓1|+|𝑓2|.
The vector that represents the combined effect (sum) of two vectors is called the resultant. There
are two ways to add vectors.

1) THE PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

→ →
To determine the sum of two vectors, 𝑎and 𝑏, place the vectors tail to tail and complete the
parallelogram formed by them. Their sum is the diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from where the tails
meet to where the heads meet.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

2) THE TRIANGLE LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

→ → → →
To determine the sum of two vectors, 𝑎and 𝑏, translate the tail of 𝑏 to the head of 𝑎 (or the head
→ → → →
of 𝑏 to the tail of 𝑎). The resultant, 𝑎 + 𝑏, is the vector drawn from the tail of the first vector to the head
of the second.

*** NOTE: these two laws are equivalent - use whichever is convenient! ***

Notice:

THE ZERO VECTOR:

→
The zero vector has a magnitude of 0 ( | 0 | = 0 ) and no defined direction. When two opposite
vectors are added, the resultant is the zero vector.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

THE DIFFERENCE OF TWO VECTORS:

To calculate the difference of two vectors, add the opposite.

EXAMPLES:

→ → → → → →
1) Given the vectors 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐, sketch 𝑎-𝑏+𝑐

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ → → → → →
2) In the rectangular box below, 𝑂𝐴 = 𝑎, 𝑂𝐶 = 𝑏, 𝑂𝐷 = 𝑐

→ → →
Express each of the following vectors in terms of 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐:

→ → → → →
a) 𝐵𝐶 =−𝑎 e) 𝐵𝐺 =−𝑎+𝑐
→ →
=𝑐−𝑎
→ →
b) 𝐺𝐹 =𝑎
→ → → →
f) 𝑂𝐹 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
→ → →
c) 𝑂𝐵 =𝑎+𝑏

→ → →
d) 𝐴𝐶 =−𝑎+𝑏
→ →
= 𝑏−𝑎

→ → → →
3) Given vectors 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏such that the angle between the two vectors is 60°, 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = 2,
→ →
determine |𝑎 + 𝑏|

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

4) An airplane heads due south at a speed of 300 km/h and meets a wind from the west at 100 km/h.
What is the resultant velocity of the airplane (relative to the ground) aka, the ground velocity?

∴the ground velocity of the plane is 316.23 km/h heading S18.4°E, or at a bearing of 161.6° (from due
north)

Don’t forget pythagorean theorem, primary trig ratios, sine law, cosine law, etc.

Practice: pg 290 #1-7, 9, 11-14

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.3 - Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar

→ →
For the vector 𝐾𝑎, where K is a scalar and 𝑎 is a non-zero vector:

→ → →
1) If K > 0 , then 𝐾𝑎 is in the same direction as 𝑎 with a magnitude of 𝐾 |𝑎|

→ → →
2) If K < 0 , then 𝐾𝑎 is in the opposite direction as 𝑎 with a magnitude of |𝐾| |𝑎|

COLLINEAR VECTORS
● Two vectors that are parallel or lie on the same straight line
● Two vectors u and v, are collinear iff (if any only if) it is possible to find a nonzero scalar, K, such
→ →
that 𝑢 = 𝐾𝑣

→ → →
Note: 0𝑎 = 0 (− 1) 𝑎 = −𝑎

UNIT VECTOR
● A vector with a magnitude of 1

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

1 → 1 →
→ ×𝑢= û − → ×𝑢= − û û means “unit vector u”
𝑢 𝑢

EXAMPLES:

→ →
1) The vectors 𝑥and 𝑦are unit vectors that make an angle of 30° with each other.

→ →
a) Calculate the value of |2𝑥 − 𝑦|

→ →
b) Determine the direction of 2𝑥 − 𝑦

or

𝑠𝑖𝑛β 𝑠𝑖𝑛30
|𝑦|
= |2𝑥−𝑦|
𝑠𝑖𝑛β 𝑠𝑖𝑛30
1
= 1.24
β = 53. 8° (But β is obtuse!)
β = 180° - 53.8°
β = 126.2°

→ →
∴ the direction is 23.8° relative to 𝑥 or 126.2° relative to 𝑦

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

2) An airplane is flying in the direction N30°E at an airspeed of 240 km/h. The velocity vector for
→
this airplane is represented by 𝑣

1 →
a) Draw a sketch of − 3
𝑣 and state the direction of this vector

1 →
∴the direction of − 3
𝑣 is S30°W (or a bearing of 210°)

3 →
b) State the magnitude and direction of 2
𝑣

3 → 3 →
| 2 𝑣| = 2 |𝑣|
3
= 2 (240)
= 360 km/h
Direction: N30°E

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ → → →
3) Given that |𝑢|= 4 and |𝑣|= 5 and the angle between 𝑢and 𝑣is 120°, determine the unit vector in
→ →
the same direction as 𝑢+𝑣

→ →2 →2 →2 → →
|𝑢 + 𝑣| = |𝑢| + |𝑣| − 2|𝑢||𝑣|𝑐𝑜𝑠60
2 2 1
= (4) + (5) − 2(4)(5)( 2 )
= 16 + 25 - 20
= 21
→ →
|𝑢 + 𝑣| = 21

1 → →
∴the unit vector is (𝑢 + 𝑣)
21

Practice: pg 298 #1-6, 7a, 8-10, 12-15, 17-19

Corrections: 7a) m = 3, n = -4 12) ⇾, ⇽ (direction of b is wrong)

→ →
𝑎 𝑏
19) labeling of ABCD is wrong (use diagrams in back of book to answer the question)
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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.4 - Properties of Vectors

1) Commutative Property of Addition

→ → → →
𝑎+𝑏=𝑏+𝑎

2) Associative Property of Addition

→ → → → → →
(𝑎 + 𝑏) + 𝑐 = 𝑎 + (𝑏 + 𝑐)

3) Distributive Property of Addition

→ → → →
𝐾(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 𝐾𝑎 + 𝐾𝑏

4) Adding the Zero Vector

→ → →
𝑎+0=𝑎

5) Associative Law of Scalars

→ → →
𝑚(𝑛𝑎) = (𝑚𝑛) 𝑎 = 𝑚𝑛 𝑎

6) Distributive Law of Scalars

→ → →
(𝑚 + 𝑛) 𝑎 = 𝑚𝑎 + 𝑛𝑎

EXAMPLES

→ →
1) Given 𝑎 and 𝑏, geometrically illustrate:

a) The commutative law

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ →
Placing vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏, tip to tail, in either order produces identical new vectors
→ → → →
∴𝑎 +𝑏=𝑏+𝑎

b) The distributive property of addition

→ → → →
Doubling the length of the resulting vector 𝑎 + 𝑏, produces the same result as 2𝑎 + 2𝑏
→ → → →
∴ 2(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 2𝑎 + 2𝑏

NOTE:
For the above example, we are effectively running a LS/RS check. In practice, as long as your two
diagrams are within ~3mm of each other, this is an acceptable proof.

→ → → → → →
2) Simplify 3(2𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) − (𝑎 + 3𝑏 − 2𝑐)

→ → → → → →
= 6𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 3𝑐 − 𝑎 − 3𝑏 + 2𝑐
→ →
= 5𝑎 + 5𝑐

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ → → → → → → → → → →
3) If 𝑥 = 3𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑘, 𝑦 = 𝑗 − 5𝑘, 𝑧 =− 𝑖 − 𝑗 + 4𝑘, determine each of the
following
→ → →
in terms of 𝑖, 𝑗, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘

→ → → → → → →
a) 𝑥 + 𝑦 = (3𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑘) + (𝑗 − 5𝑘)
→ → →
= 3𝑖 − 3𝑗 − 4𝑘

→ → → → → → →
b) 𝑥 − 𝑦 = (3𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑘) − (𝑗 − 5𝑘)
→ → →
= 3𝑖 − 5𝑗 + 6𝑘

→ → →
c) 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 =
→ → → → → → → →
(3𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑘) − 2(𝑗 − 5𝑘) + 3(− 𝑖 − 𝑗 + 4𝑘)
→ → → → → → → →
= 3𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑘 − 2𝑗 + 10𝑘 − 3𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 12𝑘
→ →
= − 9𝑗 + 23𝑘

Practice: pg 306 #2-11

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.5 - Vectors in R2 and R3

Points and vectors may be represented in two-dimensional space, called R2 (an x-y plane) or in
three-dimensional space, called R3 (an x-y-z plane).
In R2 or R3, the location of every point is unique. As a result, every vector drawn with its tail at
the origin and its head at a point is also unique. This type of vector is called a position vector.

POINTS & VECTORS IN R2

In R2, P(a, b) is a point that is “a” units from O(0, 0) along the x-axis and “b” units parallel to the y-axis.
→
The position of vector 𝑂𝑃has its tail located at O(0, 0) and its head at P(a, b)
→
𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏)
→
“a” is called the x-component and “b” is called the y-component of 𝑂𝑃

POINTS & VECTORS IN R3

In placing points in R3, we choose three axes called the x-, y-, and z-axis.
Each pair of aces is perpendicular and may be oriented in different ways.
We use the right-handed system (see pg 312 of your textbook)

In R3, P(a, b, c) is a point that is “a” units from O(0, 0, 0) along the x-axis, “b” units parallel to the y-axis,
→
and “c” units parallel to the z-axis. The position of vector 𝑂𝑃has its tail located at O(0, 0, 0) and its head
at P(a, b, c)
→
𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐)

It is useful to use a rectangular box (prism) to locate points in R3.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

EXAMPLES

1) Given the diagram below, determine the coordinates of C, D, E, and F.

C: (a, 0, c)

D: (0, 0, c)

E: (0, b, c)

F: (0, b, 0)

2) In the following diagram, the point P(6, 2, 4) is located in R3. What are the coordinates of A, B,
→
C, D, E, and F? Draw the vector 𝑂𝑃.

A: (6, 0, 0) D: (0, 0, 4)

B: (6, 2, 0) E: (0, 2, 4)

C: (6, 0, 4) F: (0, 2, 0)

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

3) In the following diagram, T(-3, 2,-2) is located in R3. What are the coordinates of P, Q, R, M, N,
→
and S? Draw the vector 𝑂𝑇.

P: (0, 2, 0) M: (-3, 0, 0)

Q: (0, 2, -2) N: (-3, 0, -2)

R: (0, 0, -2) S: (-3, 2, 0)

4) The point Q(2, -3,-5) is located in R3.

a) Write an equation for the xy plane.

∵ all points are (x, y, 0), x,y ε R

∴ the equation is z = 0

b) Write an equation for the plane

containing points P, M, Q, and T.

∵ all points are (x, -3, z), x,z ε R

∴ the equation is y = -3

c) Write a mathematical description of the set of points in rectangle PMQT.

(x, -3, z), x,z ε R and 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 and -5 ≤ z ≤ 0

d) What is the equation of the plane parallel to the xy-plane and passing through R(0, 0, -5)?

z = -5

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

Practice: pg 316 #1-3, 5-16

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.6 - Operations with Algebraic Vectors in R 2

A) UNIT VECTORS
→ →
● standard unit vectors, 𝑖 and 𝑗, are vectors of magnitude one that lie along the x- and y-axes
respectively.
→ →
𝑖 = (1, 0) 𝑗 = (0, 1)
● also called the standard basis vectors

→ →
Every vector in R2 given in terms of its components, can also be written uniquely in terms of 𝑖 and 𝑗.

→
𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏)
→ →
= 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗

EXAMPLES

→ → → →
1) Four position vectors are 𝑂𝑃 = (1, 2), 𝑂𝑄 = (− 3, 0), 𝑂𝑅 = (− 4, − 1), and 𝑂𝑆 = (2, − 1).
→ →
Write each of these vectors using the unit vectors 𝑖 and 𝑗.

→ → → → → →
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗 𝑂𝑅 = − 4𝑖 − 𝑗
→ → → → →
𝑂𝑄 = − 3𝑖 𝑂𝑆 = 2𝑖 − 𝑗

2) Write each of the following vectors in component form (a, b)

→ → → → → → → →
𝑂𝐴 = −𝑖 𝑂𝐵 = 𝑖 + 5𝑗 𝑂𝐶 =− 5𝑖 + 2𝑗
→ → →
𝑂𝐷 = 2 𝑖 − 4𝑗

→ →
𝑂𝐴 = (− 1, 0) 𝑂𝐶 = (− 5, 2)
→ →
𝑂𝐵 = (1, 5) 𝑂𝐷 = ( 2, − 4)

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

B)
1) ADDITION OF UNIT VECTORS USING COMPONENT FORM

→ →
𝑂𝐴 + 𝑂𝐷 = (𝑎, 𝑏) + (𝑐, 𝑑)
→ → → →
= 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗 + 𝑐𝑖 + 𝑑𝑗
→ → → →
= 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑐𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗 + 𝑑𝑗
→ →
= (𝑎 + 𝑐) 𝑖 + (𝑏 + 𝑑) 𝑗
= (𝑎 + 𝑐, 𝑏 + 𝑑)
→
= 𝑂𝐶

→ →
∴𝑂𝐴 + 𝑂𝐷
→ →
= (𝑎, 𝑏) + (𝑐, 𝑑) ∴𝑂𝐴 − 𝑂𝐷= (𝑎, 𝑏) − (𝑐, 𝑑)

= (𝑎 + 𝑐, 𝑏 + 𝑑) = (𝑎 − 𝑐, 𝑏 − 𝑑)
→
= 𝑂𝐶

2) SCALAR MULTIPLICATION OF VECTORS USING COMPONENT FORM

→
𝑚𝑂𝑃 = 𝑚(𝑎, 𝑏)
= (𝑚𝑎, 𝑚𝑏)

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

EXAMPLES

1) Write as a single vector:

3 (-4, 1) - (5, -3)
= (-12, 3) + (-5, 3)
= (-17, 6)

2) Determine the value of x and y in the following:

-4 (x, 3) + 2 (8, -2y) = (8, -2)
(-4x, -12) + (16, -4y) = (8, -2)
(-4x + 16, -12 - 4y) = (8, -2)

-4x + 16 = 8 -12 - 4y = -2
-4x = -8 -4y = 10
x=2 y = 5/2

C) POSITION VECTORS AND MAGNITUDES IN R 2

→
∵ the length of 𝐴𝐵is the same as the distance
between A and B

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→
If A(x 1, y1) and B(x2, y2) are two points, then the vector 𝐴𝐵 = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1, 𝑦2 − 𝑦1) is its related position

→
vector, 𝑂𝑃 , and

EXAMPLES

→ → → → → →
1) Given 𝑎 = 𝑂𝐴 = (1, 3), and 𝑏 = 𝑂𝐵 = (4, − 2), determine the components of 𝑎 + 𝑏 and
→ →
𝑎 − 𝑏,
illustrate each with a graph, and calculate their magnitudes.

→ →
𝑎+𝑏
→ →
𝑐 = 𝑂𝐶 = (1 + 4, 3 − 2) = (5, 1)

→ →
𝑎−𝑏
→ →
𝑑 = 𝑂𝐷 = (1 − 4, 3 − (− 2)) = (− 3, 5)

→
*** or use 𝑂𝐷***

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

2a) Given a triangle in R2 with vertices at A(-3, 7), B(5, 22), and C(8, 18), calculate the perimeter of
ΔABC.

→ → →
𝐴𝐵 = (8, 15) 𝐵𝐶 = (3, − 4) 𝐶𝐴 = (− 11, − 11)

→ 2 2 → 2 2 → 2 2
|𝐴𝐵| = 8 + 15 |𝐵𝐶| = 3 + (− 4) |𝐶𝐴| = (− 11) + (− 11)
→ → →
|𝐴𝐵| = 17 |𝐵𝐶| = 5 |𝐶𝐴| ≃ 15. 6

P = 15 + 7 + 15.6
P = 37.6

→ →
b) Calculate the value of |𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶|

→ → →
𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐴𝐶
→
𝐴𝐶 = (11, 11)
→ 2 2
|𝐴𝐶| = 11 + 11
→ →
|𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶| ≃ 15. 6

→ → → → → → → → → →
3) For the vectors Given 𝑥 = 2𝑖 − 3𝑗, and 𝑦 =− 4𝑖 − 3𝑗 determine |𝑥 + 𝑦|and |𝑥 − 𝑦|

→ → → → →
𝑥 = (2, − 3) 𝑥 + 𝑦 = (− 2, − 6) 𝑥 − 𝑦 = (− 6, 0)
→ → → 2 2
𝑦 = (− 4, − 3) |𝑥 + 𝑦| = (− 2) + (− 6)
→ → 2 2
|𝑥 − 𝑦| = (− 6) + (0)
→ → → →
|𝑥 + 𝑦| = 40 |𝑥 − 𝑦| = 36
→ → → →
|𝑥 + 𝑦| ≃ 6. 32 |𝑥 − 𝑦| = 6

→ → → → → 1→
4) If 𝑎 = (5, − 6), 𝑏 = (− 7, 3)and 𝑐 = (2, 8), calculate |𝑎 − 3𝑏 − 2
𝑐|

→ → 1→ 1
𝑎 − 3𝑏 − 2
𝑐 = (5, − 6) − 3(− 7, 3) − 2
(2, 8)
= (5, − 6) + (21, − 9) + (− 1, − 4)
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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

= (25, − 19)

→ → 1→ 2 2
|𝑎 − 3𝑏 − 2
𝑐| = (25) + (− 19)
= 981
≃ 31. 4

Practice: pg 324 #1, 3-7, 8ac, 9-15

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

6.7 - Operations with Algebraic Vectors in R 3

→
In R3, the position vector, 𝑂𝑃, whose tail is at the origin and whose head is located at point P, can
→ → → → →
be represented as either 𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐)or 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗 + 𝑐𝑘, where O(0,0,0) is the origin and P(a,b,c)
→→ →
is a point in R3, and 𝑖, 𝑗, and 𝑘are the standard unit vectors (basis vectors) along the x-, y-, and z-axes
→ → →
respectively, such that 𝑖 = (1, 0, 0), 𝑗 = (0, 1, 0), 𝑘 = (0, 0, 1).

→ → → → → → → → → → → →
Consider the vectors in R3, 𝑂𝐵 = 𝑝𝑖 + 𝑞𝑗 + 𝑠𝑘, 𝑂𝐶 = 𝑚𝑖 + 𝑛𝑗 + 𝑟𝑘, and 𝑂𝐷 = 𝑓𝑖 + 𝑔𝑗 + ℎ𝑘,

→ → →
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝐷 + 𝑂𝑄
→ → →
𝑂𝑄 = 𝑂𝐵 + 𝑂𝐶

→ → → →
∴𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝐷 + 𝑂𝐵 + 𝑂𝐶

→ → → → → → → → →
= (𝑓𝑖 + 𝑔𝑗 + ℎ𝑘) + (𝑝𝑖 + 𝑞𝑗 + 𝑠𝑘) + (𝑚𝑖 + 𝑛𝑗 + 𝑟𝑘)
→ → → → → → → → →
= 𝑓𝑖 + 𝑔𝑗 + ℎ𝑘 + 𝑝𝑖 + 𝑞𝑗 + 𝑠𝑘 + 𝑚𝑖 + 𝑛𝑗 + 𝑟𝑘
→ → →
= (𝑓 + 𝑝 + 𝑚) 𝑖 + (𝑔 + 𝑞 + 𝑛) 𝑗 + (ℎ + 𝑠 + 𝑟) 𝑘
= (f+p+m, g+q+n, h+s+r)

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ →
∴ If 𝑂𝐴 = (𝑎1, 𝑎2, 𝑎3) and 𝑂𝐵 = (𝑏1, 𝑏2, 𝑏3)

→ →
Then 𝑂𝐴 + 𝑂𝐵 = (𝑎1 + 𝑏1, 𝑎2 + 𝑏2, 𝑎3 + 𝑏3)
→ →
and 𝑂𝐴 − 𝑂𝐵 = (𝑎1 − 𝑏1, 𝑎2 − 𝑏2, 𝑎3 − 𝑏3)
→
and 𝑚𝑂𝑃 = 𝑚(𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐)
= (𝑚𝑎, 𝑚𝑏, 𝑚𝑐) ,mεR

POSITION VECTORS AND MAGNITUDES IN R 3

→ 2 → 2 → 2
|𝑂𝑃| = |𝑂𝐷| + |𝑂𝐶|
→ 2 → 2 → 2
|𝑂𝐷| = |𝑂𝐴| + |𝑂𝐵|

→ 2 → 2 → 2 → 2
∴|𝑂𝑃| = |𝑂𝐴| + |𝑂𝐵| + |𝑂𝐶|
2 2 2
= |𝑎| + |𝑏| + |𝑐|

→ 2 2 2
|𝑂𝑃| = 𝑎 +𝑏 +𝑐

∴ If A(x 1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2) are two points

→
Then 𝐴𝐵 = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1, 𝑦2 − 𝑦1, 𝑧2 − 𝑧1)
→ 2 2 2
and |𝐴𝐵| = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1) + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1) + (𝑧2 − 𝑧1)
→
=|𝑂𝑃| ( where O(0,0,0) and P(a,b,c) )
2 2 2
= 𝑎 +𝑏 +𝑐

EXAMPLES

1) Write each of the following vectors using standard unit vectors:

---32 of 38--
Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ →
a) 𝑂𝑃 = (2, 1, − 3) b) 𝑂𝑅 = (0, − 2, 0) c)
→
𝑂𝑆 = (3, 0, 0)
→ → → → → → → →
𝑂𝑃 = 2𝑖 + 𝑗 − 3𝑘 𝑂𝑅 =− 2𝑗 𝑂𝑆 = 3𝑖

2) Express each of the following vectors in component form

→ → → → → → → → →
a) 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑖 − 2𝑗 − 𝑘 b) 𝑂𝑀 = 2𝑖 − 6𝑘 c) 𝑂𝑆 = 3𝑘

→ → →
𝑂𝑃 = (1, − 2, − 1) 𝑂𝑀 = (2, 0, − 6) 𝑂𝑆 = (0, 0, 3)

→ → → → → → → → → → →
3) Given 𝑎 = − 𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 𝑘, 𝑏 = 2𝑗 − 3𝑘, and 𝑐 = 𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 2𝑘, determine each of the
following:
→ → →
a) 2𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐
= 2(-1, 2, 1) - (0, 2, -3) + (1, -3, 2)
= (-2, 4, 2) - (0, 2, -3) + (1, -3, 2)
= (-2, 2, 5) + (1, -3, 2)
= (-1, -1, 7)
→ → →
= − 𝑖 − 𝑗 + 7𝑘

→ → →
b) 𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
= (-1, 2, 1) + (0, 2, -3) + (1, -3, 2)
= (0, 1, 0)
→
=𝑗

4) If A(7, -11, 13) and B(4, -7, 25) are two points in R 3, determine each of the following:

→ →
a) |𝑂𝐴| b) 𝐴𝐵
2 2 2
= (7) + (− 11) + (13) = (4-7, -7+11, 25-13)
= 339 = (-3, 4, 12)
≐ 18.41

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→
c) |𝐴𝐵|
2 2 2
= (− 3) + (4) + (12)
= 169
= 13

5) The vertices of a triangle are given by the points A(-1, 2, 0), B(2, 0, -3), and C(1, -1, 3). Prove
that ΔABC is an isosceles triangle.

→ → →
𝐴𝐵 = (3, − 2, − 3) 𝐵𝐶 = (− 1, − 1, 6) 𝐴𝐶 = (2, − 3, 3)
→ 2 2 2 → 2 2 2 → 2 2 2
|𝐴𝐵| = (3) + (− 2) + (− 3) |𝐵𝐶| = (− 1) + (− 1) + (6) |𝐴𝐶| = (2) + (− 3) + (3)
= 22 = 38 = 22

∵ 2 sides of the triangle are the same length

∴ΔABC is an isosceles triangle

Practice: pg 332 #1-12, 14

6.8 - Linear Combinations and Spanning Sets

→ →
For noncollinear vectors, 𝑢and 𝑣, a linear combination of these vectors is:
→ →
𝑎𝑢 + 𝑏𝑣, where a and b are scalars (real numbers)

→ → → →
The vector 𝑎𝑢 + 𝑏𝑣is the diagonal of the parallelogram formed by vectors 𝑎𝑢and 𝑏𝑣.

→ →
Notice that every vector in the xy-plane can be written uniquely in terms of vectors 𝑖and 𝑗.
→
𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏)
→ → → →
=𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗 , where 𝑖 = (1, 0) and 𝑗 = (0, 1)

→ →
Because every vector in R2 can be written as a linear combination of these two vector, we say that 𝑖and 𝑗
span R2.
→ →
Thus, the set of vectors{𝑖, 𝑗} forms a spanning set for R2.

EXAMPLES

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→
1) Show that 𝑥 = (4, 23)can be written as a linear combination of the set of vectors {(-1, 4), (2, 5)}.

(4, 23) = a(-1, 4) + b(2, 5)

(4, 23) = (-a+2b, 4a + 5b)

(1) 4 = -a + 2b (2) 23 = 4a + 5b a = 2b - 4
a = 2b - 4 23 = 4(2b - 4) + 5b a = 2(3) - 4
23 = 8b - 16 + 5b a=2
39 = 13b
b=3

∴ (4, 23) = 2(-1, 4) + 3(2, 5)

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

2) Show that the set of vectors {(2, 1), (-3, -1)} is a spanning set for R2.

a(2, 1) + b(-3, -1) = (x, y)

(2a-3b, a-b) = (x, y)

(1) 2a - 3b = x 2a - 3b = x a-b=y
(2) a-b=y 2(y + b) - 3b = x a - (-x + 2y) = y
a=y+b 2y + 2b - 3b = x a + x - 2y = y
-b = x - 2y a = -x + 3y
b = -x + 2y

Sample solution: picking two random values, let x = -3, and y = 7

(we could make our life easier by choosing x = 1 and y = 1, but where’s the fun in that?)

a = -x + 3y b = -x + 2y
a = -(-3) + 3(7) b = -(-3) + 2(7)
a = 24 b = 17

(x,y) = (-x + 3y)(2, 1) + (-x + 2y)(-3, -1)

∵ (-3,7) = 24(2, 1) + 17(-3, -1)
∴ the set of vectors {(2, 1), (-3, -1)} spans R2.

3) Show that the set of vectors {(2, 3), (4, 6)} does not span R2.

a(2, 3) + b(4, 6) = (x, y)

(1) 2a + 4b = x 3×(1) 6a + 2b = 3x
(2) 3a + 6b = y 2×(2) 6a + 2b = 2y
0 = 3x - 2y

∴ there is not linear combination that would allow us to obtain any vector other than a
multiple of (2, 3)
∴ the set of vectors {(2, 1), (-3, -1)} does not span R2.

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Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

LINEAR COMBINATIONS AND SPANNING SETS IN R 3

Any pair of nonzero, noncollinear vectors will span a PLANE in R3.

→
In R3, 𝑂𝑃 = (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐)
= a(1, 0, 0) + a(0, 1, 0) + c(0, 0, 1)
→ → →
=𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑗 + 𝑐𝑘

When two or more points or vectors lie on the same plane they are said to be coplanar. When we
are trying to determine whether a vector lies on the plane determined by two other nonzero, non-collinear
vectors, it is sufficient to solve any pair and look for consistency in the third equation. If the result is
consistent, the vector lies in the plane and if not, the vector does not lie in the plane.

EXAMPLES

→ →
1) Given the two vectors 𝑎 = (− 1, − 2, 1) and 𝑏 = (3, − 1, 1), does the vector
→
𝑐 = (− 9, − 4, 1) lie on
→ →
the plane determined by 𝑎 and 𝑏? Explain.

m(-1,-2,1) + n(3,-1,1) = (-9,-4, 1)

(1) -m + 3n = -9 (1) -m + 3n = -9 sub n into (3)

(2) -2m -n = -4 (3) m+n=1 m + (-2) = 1
(3) m+n=1 4n = -8 m=3
n = -2

But, check in equation (2)

LS = -2m -n RS = -4
= -2(3) - (-2)
= -6 + 2
= -4 LS = RS

∵ 3(-1,-2, 1) - 2(3, -1, 1) = (-9,-4,1)

→ → →
∴ yes 𝑐 lies in the plane determined by 𝑎 and 𝑏

---37 of 38--
Chapter 6 - Introduction to Vectors

→ →
2) Does the vector (-9, -5, 1) lie on the plane determined by 𝑎 and 𝑏 in example 1?

m(-1,-2,1) + n(3,-1,1) = (-9,-5, 1)

(1) -m + 3n = -9 (1) -m + 3n = -9 sub n into (3)

(2) -2m -n = -5 (3) m+n=1 m + (-2) = 1
(3) m+n=1 4n = -8 m=3
n = -2

But, check in equation (2)

LS = -2m -n RS = -5
= -2(3) - (-2)
= -6 + 2
= -4 LS ≠ RS

→ →
∴ (-9,-5,1) does not lie on the same plane 𝑎 and 𝑏

Practice: pg 340 #1-5, 7-15

→ → →
Corrections: 7b) − 7𝑖 + 21𝑗 − 14𝑘 15) n = -3

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