IGCSEMathsEdexcelMaths A (Modular)Higher Unit 2Revision NotesVectors & Transformation GeometryVectorsRepresenting Vectors as Diagrams

Representing Vectors as Diagrams (Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular)): Revision Note

Exam code: 4XMAF/4XMAH

Jamie Wood

Last updated

Edexcel Maths A (Modular): Higher Unit 2Edexcel Maths A: HigherEdexcel Maths BCambridge (CIE) Maths: ExtendedCambridge (CIE) International Maths: Extended

Vector diagrams

How can I represent a vector visually?

  • A vector has both a size (magnitude) and a direction

    • You need to draw a line to show the size of the vector

    • You also need to draw an arrow to show the direction of the vector

Magnitude and direction of a vector

 

  • Vectors are written in bold when typed to show that they are a vector and not a scalar

    • When writing a vector in an exam you should underline the letter to show it is a vector

    • bold italic a when typed and bottom enclose a when handwritten

      • You will not lose marks if you forget to underline vectors

  • If a vector starts at A and ends at B we can write it as stack A B with rightwards arrow on top

    • Here the arrow will point toward B

    • Vector stack B A with rightwards arrow on top will have the same length but point toward A

Vector between two points

What happens when a vector is multiplied by a scalar?

  • When you multiply a vector by a positive scalar:

    • The direction stays the same

    • The length of the vector is multiplied by the scalar

Multiplying vectors by a scalar

  • When you multiply a vector by a negative scalar:

    • The direction is reversed

    • The length of the vector is multiplied by the number after the negative sign

Multiplying a vector by a negative scalar

What happens vectors are added or subtracted?

  • To draw the vector bold a plus bold b

    • Draw the vector bold a

    • Draw the vector bold b starting at the endpoint of bold a

    • Draw a line that starts at the start of bold a and ends at the end of bold b

  • To draw the vector bold a minus bold b 

    • Draw the vector bold a

    • Draw the vector negative bold b  starting at the endpoint of bold a

    • Draw a line that starts at the start of bold a  and ends at the end of negative bold b

Adding and subtracting vectors

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Jamie Wood

Author: Jamie Wood

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.