4.2: Vectors in the Plane

Learning Objectives

• Describe a plane vector, using correct notation.
• Perform basic vector operations (scalar multiplication, addition, subtraction).
• Express a vector in component form.
• Explain the formula for the magnitude of a vector.
• Express a vector in terms of unit vectors.
• Give two examples of vector quantities.

When describing the movement of an airplane in flight, it is important to communicate two pieces of information: the direction in which the plane is traveling and the plane’s speed. When measuring a force, such as the thrust of the plane’s engines, it is important to describe not only the strength of that force, but also the direction in which it is applied. Some quantities, such as or force, are defined in terms of both size (also called magnitude) and direction. A quantity that has magnitude and direction is called a vector. In this text, we denote vectors by boldface letters, such as $\mathbf{v}$. Many times, we will also include an arrow or harpoon above the boldface letter, giving us $\vec{v}$ or $\vecs{v}$. This is how we will write vectors by hand, since it's hard to write in boldface.

Definition: Vector

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Vector Representation

A vector in a plane is represented by a directed line segment (an arrow). The endpoints of the segment are called the initial point and the terminal point of the vector. An arrow from the initial point to the terminal point indicates the direction of the vector. The length of the line segment represents its magnitude. We use the notation $\|\vecs{v}\|$ to denote the magnitude of the vector $\vecs{v}$. A vector with an initial point and terminal point that are the same is called the zero vector, denoted $\vecs{0}$. The zero vector is the only vector without a direction, and by convention can be considered to have any direction convenient to the problem at hand.

Vectors with the same magnitude and direction are called equivalent vectors. We treat equivalent vectors as equal, even if they have different initial points. Thus, if $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ are equivalent, we write

$$\vecs{v}=\vecs{w}.$$

Definition: equivalent vectors

Vectors are said to be equivalent vectors if they have the same magnitude and direction.

The arrows in Figure $\PageIndex{1 (b)}$ are equivalent. Each arrow has the same length and direction. A closely related concept is the idea of parallel vectors. Two vectors are said to be parallel if they have the same or opposite directions. We explore this idea in more detail later in the chapter. A vector is defined by its magnitude and direction, regardless of where its initial point is located.

Figure $\PageIndex{1}$: (a) A vector is represented by a directed line segment from its initial point to its terminal point. (b) Vectors $\vecs{v}_1$ through $\vecs{v}_5$ are equivalent.

The use of boldface, lowercase letters to name vectors is a common representation in print, but there are alternative notations. When writing the name of a vector by hand, for example, it is easier to sketch an arrow over the variable than to show it is a vector: $\vec{v}$. When a vector has initial point $P$ and terminal point $Q$, the notation $\vecd{PQ}$ is useful because it indicates the direction and location of the vector.

Example $\PageIndex{1}$: Sketching Vectors

Sketch a vector in the plane from initial point $P(1,1)$ to terminal point $Q(8,5)$.

Solution

See Figure $\PageIndex{2}$. Because the vector goes from point $P$ to point $Q$, we name it $\vecd{PQ}$.

Figure $\PageIndex{2}$: The vector with initial point $(1,1)$ and terminal point $(8,5)$ is named $\vecd{PQ}$.

Exercise $\PageIndex{1}$

Sketch the vector $\vecd{ST}$ where $S$ is point $(3,−1)$ and $T$ is point $(−2,3).$

Hint

The first point listed in the name of the vector is the initial point of the vector.

Answer

Combining Vectors

Vectors have many real-life applications, including situations involving force or velocity. For example, consider the forces acting on a boat crossing a river. The boat’s motor generates a force in one direction, and the current of the river generates a force in another direction. Both forces are vectors. We must take both the magnitude and direction of each force into account if we want to know where the boat will go.

A second example that involves vectors is a quarterback throwing a football. The quarterback does not throw the ball parallel to the ground; instead, he aims up into the air. The velocity of his throw can be represented by a vector. If we know how hard he throws the ball (magnitude—in this case, speed), and the angle (direction), we can tell how far the ball will travel down the field.

A real number is often called a scalar in mathematics and physics. Unlike vectors, scalars are generally considered to have a magnitude only, but no direction. Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes the vector’s magnitude. This is called scalar multiplication. Note that changing the magnitude of a vector does not indicate a change in its direction. For example, wind blowing from north to south might increase or decrease in speed while maintaining its direction from north to south.

Definition: Scalar Multiplication

The product $k\vecs{v}$ of a vector $\vecs{v}$ and a scalar $k$ is a vector with a magnitude that is $|k|$ times the magnitude of $\vecs{v}$, and with a direction that is the same as the direction of $\vecs{v}$ if $k>0$, and opposite the direction of $\vecs{v}$ if $k<0$. This is called scalar multiplication. If $k=0$ or $\vecs{v}=\vecs{0}$, then $k\vecs{v}=\vecs{0}.$

As you might expect, if $k=−1$, we denote the product $k\vecs{v}$ as

$$k\vecs{v}=(−1)\vecs{v}=−\vecs{v}.$$

Note that $−\vecs{v}$ has the same magnitude as $\vecs{v}$, but has the opposite direction (Figure $\PageIndex{3}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{3}$: (a) The original vector $\vecs{v}$ has length $n$ units. (b) The length of $2 \vecs{v}$ equals $2n$ units. (c) The length of $\vecs{v}/2$ is $n/2$ units. (d) The vectors $\vecs{v}$ and $−\vecs{v}$ have the same length but opposite directions.

Another operation we can perform on vectors is to add them together in vector addition, but because each vector may have its own direction, the process is different from adding two numbers. The most common graphical method for adding two vectors is to place the initial point of the second vector at the terminal point of the first, as in Figure $\PageIndex{4 (a)}$. To see why this makes sense, suppose, for example, that both vectors represent displacement. If an object moves first from the initial point to the terminal point of vector $\vecs{v}$, then from the initial point to the terminal point of vector $\vecs{w}$, the overall displacement is the same as if the object had made just one movement from the initial point to the terminal point of the vector $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$. For obvious reasons, this approach is called the triangle method. Notice that if we had switched the order, so that $\vecs{w}$ was our first vector and $\vecs{v}$ was our second vector, we would have ended up in the same place. (Again, see Figure $\PageIndex{4 (a)}$.) Thus,

$$\vecs{v}+ \vecs{w}= \vecs{w}+ \vecs{v}.$$

A second method for adding vectors is called the parallelogram method. With this method, we place the two vectors so they have the same initial point, and then we draw a parallelogram with the vectors as two adjacent sides, as in Figure $\PageIndex{4 (b)}$. The length of the diagonal of the parallelogram is the sum. Comparing Figure $\PageIndex{4 (b)}$ and Figure $\PageIndex{4 (a)}$, we can see that we get the same answer using either method. The vector $\vecs{v}+ \vecs{w}$ is called the vector sum.

Definition: Vector Addition

The sum of two vectors $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ can be constructed graphically by placing the initial point of $\vecs{w}$ at the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$. Then, the vector sum, $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$, is the vector with an initial point that coincides with the initial point of $\vecs{v}$ and has a terminal point that coincides with the terminal point of $\vecs{w}$. This operation is known as vector addition.

Figure $\PageIndex{4}$: (a) When adding vectors by the triangle method, the initial point of $\vecs{w}$ is the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$. (b) When adding vectors by the parallelogram method, the vectors$\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ have the same initial point.

It is also appropriate here to discuss vector subtraction. We define $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ as $\vecs{v}+(−\vecs{w})=\vecs{v}+(−1)\vecs{w}$. The vector $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ is called the vector difference. Graphically, the vector $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ is depicted by drawing a vector from the terminal point of $\vecs{w}$ to the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$ (Figure $\PageIndex{5}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{5}$: (a) The vector difference $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ is depicted by drawing a vector from the terminal point of $\vecs{w}$ to the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$. (b) The vector $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ is equivalent to the vector $\vecs{v}+(−\vecs{w})$.

In Figure $\PageIndex{5 (a)}$, the initial point of $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$ is the initial point of $\vecs{v}$. The terminal point of $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$ is the terminal point of $\vecs{w}$. These three vectors form the sides of a triangle. It follows that the length of any one side is less than the sum of the lengths of the remaining sides. So we have

$$\|\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}\|≤\|\vecs{v}\|+\|\vecs{w}\|.$$

This is known more generally as the triangle inequality. There is one case, however, when the resultant vector $\vecs{u}+\vecs{v}$ has the same magnitude as the sum of the magnitudes of $\vecs{u}$ and $\vecs{v}$. This happens only when $\vecs{u}$ and $\vecs{v}$ have the same direction.

Example $\PageIndex{2}$: Combining Vectors

Given the vectors $v$ and $w$ shown in Figure $\PageIndex{6}$, sketch the vectors

1. $3\vecs{w}$
2. $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$
3. $2\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$

Figure $\PageIndex{6}$: Vectors $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ lie in the same plane.

Solution

a. The vector $3\vecs{w}$ has the same direction as $\vecs{w}$; it is three times as long as $\vecs{w}$.

Vector $3\vecs{w}$ has the same direction as $\vecs{w}$ and is three times as long.

b. Use either addition method to find $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$.

Figure $\PageIndex{7}$: To find $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$, align the vectors at their initial points or place the initial point of one vector at the terminal point of the other. (a) The vector $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$ is the diagonal of the parallelogram with sides $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$. (b) The vector $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$ is the third side of a triangle formed with $\vecs{w}$ placed at the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$.

c. To find $2\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$, we can first rewrite the expression as $2\vecs{v}+(−\vecs{w})$. Then we can draw the vector $−\vecs{w}$, then add it to the vector $2\vecs{v}$.

Figure $\PageIndex{8}$: To find $2\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$, simply add $2\vecs{v}+(−\vecs{w})$.

Exercise $\PageIndex{2}$

Using vectors $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ from Example $\PageIndex{2}$, sketch the vector $2\vecs{w}−\vecs{v}$.

Hint

First sketch vectors $2\vecs{w}$ and $−\vecs{v}$.

Answer

Vector Components

Working with vectors in a plane is easier when we are working in a coordinate system. When the initial points and terminal points of vectors are given in Cartesian coordinates, computations become straightforward.

Example $\PageIndex{3}$: Comparing Vectors

Are $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ equivalent vectors?

a.

• $\vecs{v}$ has initial point $(3,2)$ and terminal point $(7,2)$
• $\vecs{w}$ has initial point $(1,−4)$ and terminal point $(1,0)$

b.

• $\vecs{v}$ has initial point $(0,0)$ and terminal point $(1,1)$
• $\vecs{w}$ has initial point $(−2,2)$ and terminal point $(−1,3)$

Solution

a. The vectors are each $4$ units long, but they are oriented in different directions. So $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ are not equivalent (Figure $\PageIndex{9}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{9}$: These vectors are not equivalent.

b. Based on Figure $\PageIndex{10}$, and using a bit of geometry, it is clear these vectors have the same length and the same direction, so $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$ are equivalent.

Figure $\PageIndex{10}$: These vectors are equivalent.

Exercise $\PageIndex{3}$

Which of the following vectors are equivalent?

Hint

Equivalent vectors have both the same magnitude and the same direction.

Answer

Vectors $\vecs{a}, \vecs{b}$, and $\vecs{e}$ are equivalent.

We have seen how to plot a vector when we are given an initial point and a terminal point. However, because a vector can be placed anywhere in a plane, it may be easier to perform calculations with a vector when its initial point coincides with the origin. We call a vector with its initial point at the origin a standard-position vector. Because the initial point of any vector in standard position is known to be $(0,0)$, we can describe the vector by looking at the coordinates of its terminal point. Thus, if vector $\vecs{v}$ has its initial point at the origin and its terminal point at $(x,y),$ we write the vector in component form as

$$\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩.$$

When a vector is written in component form like this, the scalars x and y are called the components of $\vecs{v}$.

Definition: Vector components

The vector with initial point $(0,0)$ and terminal point $(x,y)$ can be written in component form as

$$\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩.$$

The scalars $x$ and $y$ are called the components of $\vecs{v}$.

Recall that vectors are named with lowercase letters in bold type or by drawing an arrow over their name. We have also learned that we can name a vector by its component form, with the coordinates of its terminal point in angle brackets. However, when writing the component form of a vector, it is important to distinguish between $⟨x,y⟩$ and $(x,y)$. The first ordered pair uses angle brackets to describe a vector, whereas the second uses parentheses to describe a point in a plane. The initial point of $⟨x,y⟩$ is $(0,0)$; the terminal point of $⟨x,y⟩$ is $(x,y)$.

When we have a vector not already in standard position, we can determine its component form in one of two ways. We can use a geometric approach, in which we sketch the vector in the coordinate plane, and then sketch an equivalent standard-position vector. Alternatively, we can find it algebraically, using the coordinates of the initial point and the terminal point. To find it algebraically, we subtract the $x$-coordinate of the initial point from the $x$-coordinate of the terminal point to get the $x$-component, and we subtract the $y$-coordinate of the initial point from the $y$-coordinate of the terminal point to get the $y$-component.

Rule: Component Form of a Vector

Let $\vecs{v}$ be a vector with initial point $(x_i,y_i)$ and terminal point $(x_t,y_t)$. Then we can express $\vecs{v}$ in component form as $\vecs{v}=⟨x_t−x_i,y_t−y_i⟩$.

Example $\PageIndex{4}$: Expressing Vectors in Component Form

Express vector $\vecs{v}$ with initial point $(−3,4)$ and terminal point $(1,2)$ in component form.

Solution:

a. Geometric

1. Sketch the vector in the coordinate plane (Figure $\PageIndex{11}$).

2. The terminal point is 4 units to the right and 2 units down from the initial point.

3. Find the point that is 4 units to the right and 2 units down from the origin.

4. In standard position, this vector has initial point $(0,0)$ and terminal point $(4,−2)$:

$\vecs{v}=⟨4,−2⟩.$

Figure $\PageIndex{11}$: These vectors are equivalent.

b. Algebraic

In the first solution, we used a sketch of the vector to see that the terminal point lies 4 units to the right. We can accomplish this algebraically by finding the difference of the $x$-coordinates:

$x_t−x_i=1−(−3)=4.$

Similarly, the difference of the $y$-coordinates shows the vertical length of the vector.

$y_t−y_i=2−4=−2.$

So, in component form,

$\vecs{v}=⟨x_t−x_i,y_t−y_i⟩=⟨1−(−3),2−4⟩=⟨4,−2⟩.$

Exercise $\PageIndex{4}$

Vector $\vecs{w}$ has initial point $(−4,−5)$ and terminal point $(−1,2)$. Express $\vecs{w}$ in component form.

Hint

You may use either geometric or algebraic method.

Answer

$⟨3,7⟩$

To find the magnitude of a vector, we calculate the distance between its initial point and its terminal point. The magnitude of vector $\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩$ is denoted $\|\vecs{v}\|,$ or $|\vecs{v}|$, and can be computed using the formula

$$\|\vecs{v}\|=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}.$$

Note that because this vector is written in component form, it is equivalent to a vector in standard position, with its initial point at the origin and terminal point $(x,y)$. Thus, it suffices to calculate the magnitude of the vector in standard position. Using the distance formula to calculate the distance between initial point $(0,0)$ and terminal point $(x,y)$, we have

$$\|\vecs{v}\|=\sqrt{(x−0)^2+(y−0)^2}=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}.$$

Based on this formula, it is clear that for any vector $\vecs{v}, \|\vecs{v}\|≥0,$ and $\|\vecs{v}\|=0$ if and only if $\vecs{v}=\vecs{0}$.

The magnitude of a vector can also be derived using the Pythagorean theorem, as in the following figure.

Figure $\PageIndex{12}$: If you use the components of a vector to define a right triangle, the magnitude of the vector is the length of the triangle’s hypotenuse.

We have defined scalar multiplication and vector addition geometrically. Expressing vectors in component form allows us to perform these same operations algebraically.

Definition: Scalar multiplication and Vector addition

Let $\vecs{v}=⟨x_1,y_1⟩$ and $\vecs{w}=⟨x_2,y_2⟩$ be vectors, and let $k$ be a scalar.

• Scalar multiplication: $$k\vecs{v}=⟨kx_1,ky_1⟩$$
• Vector addition: $$\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}=⟨x_1,y_1⟩+⟨x_2,y_2⟩=⟨x_1+x_2,y_1+y_2⟩$$

Example $\PageIndex{5}$: Performing Operations in Component Form

Let $\vecs{v}$ be the vector with initial point $(2,5)$ and terminal point $(8,13)$, and let $\vecs{w}=⟨−2,4⟩$.

1. Express $\vecs{v}$ in component form and find $\|\vecs{v}\|$. Then, using algebra, find
2. $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$,
3. $3\vecs{v}$, and
4. $\vecs{v}−2\vecs{w}$.

Solution

a. To place the initial point of $\vecs{v}$ at the origin, we must translate the vector 2 units to the left and 5 units down (Figure $\PageIndex{13}$). Using the algebraic method, we can express $\vecs{v}$ as $\vecs{v}=⟨8−2,13−5⟩=⟨6,8⟩$:

$\|\vecs{v}\|=\sqrt{6^2+8^2}=\sqrt{36+64}=\sqrt{100}=10$.

Figure $\PageIndex{13}$: In component form, $\vecs{v}=⟨6,8⟩$.

b. To find $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$, add the $x$-components and the $y$-components separately:

$\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}=⟨6,8⟩+⟨−2,4⟩=⟨4,12⟩.$

c. To find $3\vecs{v}$, multiply $\vecs{v}$ by the scalar $k=3$:

$3\vecs{v}=3⋅⟨6,8⟩=⟨3⋅6,3⋅8⟩=⟨18,24⟩.$

d. To find $\vecs{v}−2\vecs{w}$, find $−2\vecs{w}$ and add it to $\vecs{v}:$

$\vecs{v}−2\vecs{w}=⟨6,8⟩−2⋅⟨−2,4⟩=⟨6,8⟩+⟨4,−8⟩=⟨10,0⟩.$

Exercise $\PageIndex{5A}$

Let $\vecs{a}=⟨7,1⟩$ and let $\vecs{b}$ be the vector with initial point $(3,2)$ and terminal point $(−1,−1).$

1. Find $\|\vecs{a}\|$.
2. Express $\vecs{b}$ in component form.
3. Find $3\vecs{a}−4\vecs{b}.$

Hint

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find $\|\vecs{a}\|$. To find $3\vecs{a}−4\vecs{b}$, start by finding the scalar multiples $3\vecs{a}$ and $−4\vecs{b}$.

Answer a

$\|\vecs{a}\|=5\sqrt{2},$

Answer b

$\vecs{b}=⟨−4,−3⟩,$

Answer c

$3\vecs{a}−4\vecs{b}=⟨37,15⟩$

Now that we have established the basic rules of vector arithmetic, we can state the properties of vector operations. We will prove two of these properties. The others can be proved in a similar manner.

Properties of Vector Operations

Let $\vecs{u}, \, \vecs{v}$, and $\vecs{w}$ be vectors in a plane. Let $r$ and $s$ be scalars.

1. Commutative property $$\vecs{u}+\vecs{v}=\vecs{v}+\vecs{u} \label{commutative}$$
2. Associative property $$(\vecs{u}+\vecs{v})+\vecs{w}=\vecs{u}+(\vecs{v}+\vecs{w})$$
3. Additive identity property $$\vecs{u}+\vecs{0}=\vecs{u}$$
4. Additive inverse property $$\vecs{u}+(−\vecs{u})=\vecs{0}$$
5. Associativity of scalar multiplication $$r(s\vecs{u})=(rs)\vecs{u}$$
6. Distributive property $$(r+s)\vecs{u}=r\vecs{u}+s\vecs{u} \label{Distributive}$$
7. Distributive property $$r(\vecs{u}+\vecs{v})=r\vecs{u}+r\vecs{v}$$
8. Identity and zero properties $$1\vecs{u}=\vecs{u}, \, 0\vecs{u}=\vecs{0}$$

Proof of Commutative Property

Let $\vecs{u}=⟨x_1,y_1⟩$ and $\vecs{v}=⟨x_2,y_2⟩.$ Apply the commutative property (Equation $\ref{commutative}$) for real numbers:

$$\begin{align*} \vecs{u}+\vecs{v} =⟨x_1+x_2,y_1+y_2⟩ \\[4pt] = ⟨x_2+x_1,y_2+y_1⟩ \\[4pt] = \vecs{v}+\vecs{u}. \end{align*}$$

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Proof of Distributive Property

Apply the distributive property (Equation $\ref{Distributive}$) for real numbers:

$$\begin{align*} r(\vecs{u}+\vecs{v}) =r⋅⟨x_1+x_2,y_1+y_2⟩ \\[4pt] =⟨r(x_1+x_2),r(y_1+y_2)⟩ \\[4pt] = ⟨rx_1+rx_2,ry_1+ry_2⟩ \\[4pt] = ⟨rx_1,ry_1⟩+⟨rx_2,ry_2⟩ \\[4pt] = r\vecs{u}+r\vecs{v}. \end{align*}$$

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Exercise $\PageIndex{5B}$

Prove the additive inverse property.

Hint

Use the component form of the vectors.

We have found the components of a vector given its initial and terminal points. In some cases, we may only have the magnitude and direction of a vector, not the points. For these vectors, we can identify the horizontal and vertical components using trigonometry (Figure $\PageIndex{14}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{14}$: The components of a vector form the legs of a right triangle, with the vector as the hypotenuse.

Consider the angle $θ$ formed by the vector $\vecs{v}$ and the positive $x$-axis. We can see from the triangle that the components of vector $\vecs{v}$ are $⟨\|\vecs{v}\| \cos{θ}, \, \|\vecs{v}\| \sin {θ}⟩$. Therefore, given an angle and the magnitude of a vector, we can use the cosine and sine of the angle to find the components of the vector.

Example $\PageIndex{6}$: Finding the Component Form of a Vector Using Trigonometry

Find the component form of a vector with magnitude 4 that forms an angle of $−45°$ with the $x$-axis.

Solution

Let $x$ and $y$ represent the components of the vector (Figure $\PageIndex{15}$). Then $x=4 \cos(−45°)=2 \sqrt{2}$ and $y=4 \sin(−45°)=−2\sqrt{2}$. The component form of the vector is $⟨2\sqrt{2},−2\sqrt{2}⟩$.

Figure $\PageIndex{15}$: Use trigonometric ratios, $x=\|\vecs{v}\| \cos θ$ and $y=\|\vecs{v}\| \sin θ,$ to identify the components of the vector.

Exercise $\PageIndex{6}$

Find the component form of vector $\vecs{v}$ with magnitude 10 that forms an angle of $120°$ with the positive $x$-axis.

Hint

$x=\|\vecs{v}\| \cos θ$ and $y=\|\vecs{v}\| \sin θ$

Answer

$v=⟨−5,5\sqrt{3}⟩$

Unit Vectors

A unit vector is a vector with magnitude $1$. For any nonzero vector $\vecs{v}$, we can use scalar multiplication to find a unit vector $\vecs{u}$ that has the same direction as $\vecs{v}$. To do this, we multiply the vector by the reciprocal of its magnitude:

$$\vecs{u}=\dfrac{1}{\|\vecs{v}\|} \vecs{v}.$$

Recall that when we defined scalar multiplication, we noted that $\|k\vecs{v}\| =|k|⋅\|\vecs{v}\|$. For $\vecs{u}=\dfrac{1}{\|\vecs{v}\| }\vecs{v}$, it follows that $\|\vecs{u}\| =\dfrac{1}{\|\vecs{v}\| }(\|\vecs{v}\| )=1$. We say that $\vecs{u}$ is the unit vector in the direction of $\vecs{v}$ (Figure $\PageIndex{16}$). The process of using scalar multiplication to find a unit vector with a given direction is called normalization.

Figure $\PageIndex{16}$: The vector $\vecs{v}$ and associated unit vector $\vecs{u}=\dfrac{1}{\|\vecs{v}\|}\vecs{v}$. In this case, $\|\vecs{v}\|>1.$

Example $\PageIndex{7}$: Finding a Unit Vector

Let $\vecs{v}=⟨1,2⟩$.

1. Find a unit vector with the same direction as $\vecs{v}$.
2. Find a vector $\vecs{w}$ with the same direction as $\vecs{v}$ such that $\|\vecs{w}\|=7$.

Solution:

a. First, find the magnitude of $\vecs{v}$, then divide the components of $\vecs{v}$ by the magnitude:

$$\|\vecs{v}\|=\sqrt{1^2+2^2}=\sqrt{1+4}=\sqrt{5} \nonumber$$

$$\vecs{u}=\dfrac{1}{\|\vecs{v}\|}v=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{5}}⟨1,2⟩=⟨\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{5}},\dfrac{2}{\sqrt{5}}⟩ \nonumber.$$

b. The vector $\vecs{u}$ is in the same direction as $\vecs{v}$ and $\|\vecs{u}\|=1$. Use scalar multiplication to increase the length of $\vecs{u}$ without changing direction:

$$\vecs{w}=7\vecs{u}=7⟨\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{5}},\dfrac{2}{\sqrt{5}}⟩=⟨\dfrac{7}{\sqrt{5}},\dfrac{14}{\sqrt{5}}⟩ \nonumber.$$

Exercise $\PageIndex{7}$

Let $\vecs{v}=⟨9,2⟩$. Find a vector with magnitude $5$ in the opposite direction as $\vecs{v}$.

Hint

First, find a unit vector in the same direction as $\vecs{v}$.

Answer

$⟨−\dfrac{45}{\sqrt{85}},−\dfrac{10}{\sqrt{85}}⟩$

We have seen how convenient it can be to write a vector in component form. Sometimes, though, it is more convenient to write a vector as a sum of a horizontal vector and a vertical vector. To make this easier, let’s look at standard unit vectors. The standard unit vectors are the vectors $\hat{\mathbf i}=⟨1,0⟩$ and $\hat{\mathbf j}=⟨0,1⟩$ (Figure $\PageIndex{17}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{17}$: The standard unit vectors $\hat{\mathbf i}$ and $\hat{\mathbf j}$.

By applying the properties of vectors, it is possible to express any vector in terms of $\hat{\mathbf i}$ and $\hat{\mathbf j}$ in what we call a linear combination:

$$\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩=⟨x,0⟩+⟨0,y⟩=x⟨1,0⟩+y⟨0,1⟩=x\hat{\mathbf i}+y\hat{\mathbf j}.$$

Thus, $\vecs{v}$ is the sum of a horizontal vector with magnitude $x$, and a vertical vector with magnitude $y$, as in Figure $\PageIndex{18}$.

Figure $\PageIndex{18}$: The vector $\vecs{v}$ is the sum of $x\hat{\mathbf i}$ and $y\hat{\mathbf j}$.

Example $\PageIndex{8}$: Using Standard Unit Vectors

1. Express the vector $\vecs{w}=⟨3,−4⟩$ in terms of standard unit vectors.
2. Vector $\vecs{u}$ is a unit vector that forms an angle of $60°$ with the positive $x$-axis. Use standard unit vectors to describe $\vecs{u}$.

Solution:

a. Resolve vector $\vecs{w}$ into a vector with a zero $y$-component and a vector with a zero $x$-component:

$$\vecs{w}=⟨3,−4⟩=3 \hat{\mathbf i}−4 \hat{\mathbf j}. \nonumber$$

b. Because $\vecs{u}$ is a unit vector, the terminal point lies on the unit circle when the vector is placed in standard position (Figure $\PageIndex{19}$).

$$\begin{align*} \vecs{u} =⟨\cos 60°,\sin 60°⟩ \\[4pt] =⟨\dfrac{1}{2},\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}⟩ \\[4pt] = \dfrac{1}{2} \hat{\mathbf i}+\dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \hat{\mathbf j}. \end{align*}$$

Figure $\PageIndex{19}$: The terminal point of $\vecs{u}$ lies on the unit circle $(\cos θ, \sin θ)$.

Exercise $\PageIndex{8}$

Let $\vecs{a}=⟨16,−11⟩$ and let $\vecs{b}$ be a unit vector that forms an angle of $225°$ with the positive $x$-axis. Express $\vecs{a}$ and $\vecs{b}$ in terms of the standard unit vectors.

Hint

Use sine and cosine to find the components of $\vecs{b}$.

Answer

$\vecs{a}=16 \hat{\mathbf i}−11 \hat{\mathbf j}, \quad \vecs{b}=−\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \hat{\mathbf i}−\dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \hat{\mathbf j}$

Applications of Vectors

Because vectors have both direction and magnitude, they are valuable tools for solving problems involving such applications as motion and force. Recall the boat example and the quarterback example we described earlier. Here we look at two other examples in detail.

Example $\PageIndex{9A}$: Finding Resultant Force

Jane’s car is stuck in the mud. Lisa and Jed come along in a truck to help pull her out. They attach one end of a tow strap to the front of the car and the other end to the truck’s trailer hitch, and the truck starts to pull. Meanwhile, Jane and Jed get behind the car and push. The truck generates a horizontal force of 300 lb on the car. Jane and Jed are pushing at a slight upward angle and generate a force of 150 lb on the car. These forces can be represented by vectors, as shown in Figure $\PageIndex{20}$. The angle between these vectors is 15°. Find the resultant force (the vector sum) and give its magnitude to the nearest tenth of a pound and its direction angle from the positive $x$-axis.

Figure $\PageIndex{20}$: Two forces acting on a car in different directions.

Solution

To find the effect of combining the two forces, add their representative vectors. First, express each vector in component form or in terms of the standard unit vectors. For this purpose, it is easiest if we align one of the vectors with the positive $x$-axis. The horizontal vector, then, has initial point $(0,0)$ and terminal point $(300,0)$. It can be expressed as $⟨300,0⟩$ or $300 \hat{\mathbf i}$.

The second vector has magnitude $150$ and makes an angle of $15°$ with the first, so we can express it as $⟨150 \cos(15°),150 \sin(15°)⟩,$ or $150 \cos(15°)\hat{\mathbf i}+150 \sin(15°)\hat{\mathbf j}$. Then, the sum of the vectors, or resultant vector, is $\vecs{r}=⟨300,0⟩+⟨150 \cos(15°),150 \sin(15°)⟩,$ and we have

$$\|\vecs{r}\|=\sqrt{(300+150 \cos(15°))^2+(150 \sin(15°))^2}≈446.6. \nonumber$$

The angle $θ$ made by $\vecs{r}$ and the positive $x$-axis has $\tan θ=\dfrac{150 \sin 15°}{(300+150\cos 15°)}≈0.09$, so $θ≈ \tan^{−1}(0.09)≈5°$, which means the resultant force $\vecs{r}$ has an angle of $5°$ above the horizontal axis.

Example $\PageIndex{9B}$: Finding Resultant Velocity

An airplane flies due west at an airspeed of $425$ mph. The wind is blowing from the northeast at $40$ mph. What is the ground speed of the airplane? What is the bearing of the airplane?

Solution

Let’s start by sketching the situation described (Figure $\PageIndex{21}$).

Figure $\PageIndex{21}$: Initially, the plane travels due west. The wind is from the northeast, so it is blowing to the southwest. The angle between the plane’s course and the wind is $45°$. (Figure not drawn to scale.)

Set up a sketch so that the initial points of the vectors lie at the origin. Then, the plane’s velocity vector is $\vecs{p}=−425\hat{\mathbf i}$. The vector describing the wind makes an angle of $225°$ with the positive $x$-axis:

$$\vecs{w}=⟨40 \cos(225°),40 \sin(225°)⟩=⟨−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}},−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}⟩=−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{\mathbf i}−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{\mathbf j}. \nonumber$$

When the airspeed and the wind act together on the plane, we can add their vectors to find the resultant force:

$$\vecs{p}+\vecs{w}=−425\hat{\mathbf i}+(−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{\mathbf i}−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{\mathbf j})=(−425−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}})\hat{\mathbf i}−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{\mathbf j}. \nonumber$$

The magnitude of the resultant vector shows the effect of the wind on the ground speed of the airplane:

$\|\vecs{p}+\vecs{w}\|=\sqrt{(−425−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}})^2+(−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}})^2}≈454.17 \, mph$

As a result of the wind, the plane is traveling at approximately $454$ mph relative to the ground.

To determine the bearing of the airplane, we want to find the direction of the vector $\vecs{p}+\vecs{w}$:

$\tan θ=\dfrac{−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}}}{(−425−\dfrac{40}{\sqrt{2}})}≈0.06$

$θ≈3.57°$.

The overall direction of the plane is $3.57°$ south of west.

Exercise $\PageIndex{9}$

An airplane flies due north at an airspeed of $550$ mph. The wind is blowing from the northwest at $50$ mph. What is the ground speed of the airplane?

Hint

Sketch the vectors with the same initial point and find their sum.

Answer

Approximately $516$ mph

Key Concepts

• Vectors are used to represent quantities that have both magnitude and direction.
• We can add vectors by using the parallelogram method or the triangle method to find the sum. We can multiply a vector by a scalar to change its length or give it the opposite direction.
• Subtraction of vectors is defined in terms of adding the negative of the vector.
• A vector is written in component form as $\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩$.
• The magnitude of a vector is a scalar: $‖\vecs{v}‖=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$.
• A unit vector $\vecs{u}$ has magnitude $1$ and can be found by dividing a vector by its magnitude: $\vecs{u}=\dfrac{1}{‖\vecs{v}‖}\vecs{v}$. The standard unit vectors are $\hat{\mathbf i}=⟨1,0⟩$ and $\hat{\mathbf j}=⟨0,1⟩$. A vector $\vecs{v}=⟨x,y⟩$ can be expressed in terms of the standard unit vectors as $\vecs{v}=x\hat{\mathbf i}+y\hat{\mathbf j}$.
• Vectors are often used in physics and engineering to represent forces and velocities, among other quantities.

Glossary

component

a scalar that describes either the vertical or horizontal direction of a vector

equivalent vectors

vectors that have the same magnitude and the same direction

initial point

the starting point of a vector

magnitude

the length of a vector

normalization

using scalar multiplication to find a unit vector with a given direction

parallelogram method

a method for finding the sum of two vectors; position the vectors so they share the same initial point; the vectors then form two adjacent sides of a parallelogram; the sum of the vectors is the diagonal of that parallelogram

scalar

a real number

scalar multiplication

a vector operation that defines the product of a scalar and a vector

standard-position vector

a vector with initial point $(0,0)$

standard unit vectors

unit vectors along the coordinate axes: $\hat{\mathbf i}=⟨1,0⟩,\, \hat{\mathbf j}=⟨0,1⟩$

terminal point

the endpoint of a vector

triangle inequality

the length of any side of a triangle is less than the sum of the lengths of the other two sides

triangle method

a method for finding the sum of two vectors; position the vectors so the terminal point of one vector is the initial point of the other; these vectors then form two sides of a triangle; the sum of the vectors is the vector that forms the third side; the initial point of the sum is the initial point of the first vector; the terminal point of the sum is the terminal point of the second vector

unit vector

a vector with magnitude $1$

vector

a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction

vector addition

a vector operation that defines the sum of two vectors

vector difference

the vector difference $\vecs{v}−\vecs{w}$ is defined as $\vecs{v}+(−\vecs{w})=\vecs{v}+(−1)\vecs{w}$

vector sum

the sum of two vectors, $\vecs{v}$ and $\vecs{w}$, can be constructed graphically by placing the initial point of $\vecs{w}$ at the terminal point of $\vecs{v}$; then the vector sum $\vecs{v}+\vecs{w}$ is the vector with an initial point that coincides with the initial point of $\vecs{v}$, and with a terminal point that coincides with the terminal point of $\vecs{w}$

zero vector

the vector with both initial point and terminal point $(0,0)$

Contributors and Attributions

• Gilbert Strang (MIT) and Edwin “Jed” Herman (Harvey Mudd) with many contributing authors. This content by OpenStax is licensed with a CC-BY-SA-NC 4.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org.