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Introduction To Vector Algebra

Vector algebra is a mathematical discipline focused on vectors, which possess both magnitude and direction. It includes operations such as vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product, with applications in physics, engineering, and computer graphics. Mastery of vector algebra is crucial for comprehending various scientific and engineering concepts.

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18 views10 pages

Introduction To Vector Algebra

Vector algebra is a mathematical discipline focused on vectors, which possess both magnitude and direction. It includes operations such as vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot product, and cross product, with applications in physics, engineering, and computer graphics. Mastery of vector algebra is crucial for comprehending various scientific and engineering concepts.

Uploaded by

yashikasingh2206
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to

Vector Algebra
Vector algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with vectors. Vectors
are quantities that have both magnitude and direction. They are often
represented by arrows, where the length of the arrow represents the
magnitude and the direction of the arrow represents the direction of the
vector.

by Yashika Singh
Scalar and Vector Quantities
Scalar Quantities Vector Quantities
Scalar quantities are quantities that have only magnitude. Vector quantities are quantities that have both magnitude and
Examples of scalar quantities include mass, speed, and direction. Examples of vector quantities include displacement,
temperature. velocity, and force.
Vector Addition and
Subtraction
Addition
To add two vectors, place the tail of the second vector at the
1 head of the first vector. The resultant vector is the vector that
starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at the head of the
second vector.

Subtraction
To subtract two vectors, reverse the direction of the second
2 vector and then add the two vectors. The resultant vector is
the vector that starts at the tail of the first vector and ends at
the head of the second vector.
Scalar Multiplication of
Vectors
1 Scaling 2 Zero Vector
Multiplying a vector by a Multiplying a vector by zero
scalar changes the results in the zero vector,
magnitude of the vector. If which has zero magnitude
the scalar is positive, the and no direction.
direction of the vector
remains the same. If the
scalar is negative, the
direction of the vector is
reversed.
Dot Product of Vectors
Definition The dot product of two vectors is
a scalar quantity that is equal to
the product of the magnitudes of
the two vectors and the cosine of
the angle between them.

Formula a · b = |a| |b| cos θ

Application The dot product can be used to


find the angle between two
vectors, the projection of one
vector onto another, and the
work done by a force.
Cross Product of Vectors
Definition Formula
The cross product of two a × b = |a| |b| sin θ n, where n is
vectors is a vector quantity that a unit vector perpendicular to
is perpendicular to both of the both a and b.
original vectors.

Applications
The cross product is used to calculate torque, angular momentum, and
the magnetic force on a moving charge.
Properties of Vector Operations

Commutative Property Associative Property Distributive Property


The commutative property states that the The associative property states that the The distributive property states that the
order of addition or multiplication does grouping of terms in addition or product of a scalar and a sum of vectors
not affect the result. multiplication does not affect the result. is equal to the sum of the products of the
scalar and each individual vector.
Applications of Vector
Algebra
1 Physics
Vector algebra is used extensively in physics, for example, to
represent forces, velocities, and accelerations.

2 Engineering
Engineers use vector algebra to design structures, analyze
stresses and strains, and model fluid flow.

3 Computer Graphics
Vector algebra is used in computer graphics to represent
and manipulate objects in three dimensions.
Visualizing Vectors in 2D and 3D

2D Visualization 3D Visualization
Vectors in two dimensions can be visualized as arrows on a Vectors in three dimensions can be visualized as arrows in
plane. space.
Conclusion and Summary
Vector algebra is a fundamental tool in mathematics and physics. It provides
a powerful way to represent and manipulate quantities that have both
magnitude and direction. Understanding vector algebra is essential for
understanding many important concepts in science, engineering, and
computer graphics.

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