Chapter 13

Vectors in Two Dimensions

Column vectors, adding vectors and finding magnitude — with an interactive exercise.

Vectors in Two Dimensions have magnitude and direction, written as column vectors $\begin{pmatrix}a\\b\end{pmatrix}$.

To add vectors, add their components. The magnitude is $\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$, so $\begin{pmatrix}3\\4\end{pmatrix}$ has magnitude 5.

Remember

  • Add vectors component by component.
  • Magnitude $=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$.

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