A-Level Maths OCR B (MEI) H640

11: Vectors

#11.1

Vectors in 2D

Understand the language of vectors in two dimensions.

Scalar, vector, modulus, magnitude, direction, position vector, unit vector, cartesian components, equal vectors, parallel vectors, collinear.

Notation:

  • Vectors printed in bold.
  • Unit vectors i\bold{i}, j\bold{j}, r^\bold{\hat{r}}
  • The magnitude of the vector a\bold{a} is written a|\bold{a}| or aa.
  • a=(a1a2)\bold{a} = \begin{pmatrix} a_1 \\ a_2 \end{pmatrix}
#11.2

Vector addition and multiplication by a scalar

Be able to add and subtract vectors using a diagram or algebraically, multiply a vector by a scalar, and express a vector as a combination of others.

Geometrical interpretation. Includes general vectors not expressed in component form.

#11.3

Magnitude and direction of a vector

Be able to calculate the magnitude and direction of a vector and convert between component form and magnitude-direction form.

Notation:

  • Magnitude-direction
#11.4

Position vectors

Understand and use position vectors.

Including interpreting components of a position vector as the Cartesian coordinates of the point.

AB=ba\overrightarrow{AB} = \bold{b} - \bold{a}

Notation:

  • OB\overrightarrow{OB} or b\bold{b}
  • r=(xy)\bold{r} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix}
#11.5

Calculate the distance between two points

Be able to calculate the distance between two points represented by position vectors.

#11.6

Use vectors to solve problems

Be able to use vectors to solve problems in pure mathematics and in context, including problems involving forces.

Includes interpreting the sum of vectors representing forces as the resultant force.

#11.7

Vectors in 3D

Understand the language of vectors in three dimensions.

Extend the work of 11.2 to 11.6 to include vectors in three dimensions.

Notation:

  • Unit vectors i\bold{i}, j\bold{j}, k\bold{k}, r^\bold{\hat{r}}
  • a=(a1a2a3)\bold{a} = \begin{pmatrix} a_1 \\ a_2 \\ a_3 \end{pmatrix}
10
Numerical methods
12
Sampling