Topic explanation

Standard explanation

a = <a1,a2,a3>. Magnitude |a| = sqrt(a1^2+a2^2+a3^2). Unit vector a-hat = a / |a| if a != 0. Negative -a flips direction.

Key points

• three numbers
• scalar: size
• vector: size + direction
• divide by modulus
• VECTOR COMPONENTS AND UNIT VECTORS: a = <a1,a2,a3>. Magnitude |a| = sqrt(a1^2+a2^2+a3^2). Unit vector a-hat = a / |a| if a != 0. Negativ
• COMPONENTS: a = <a1,a2,a3>.
• WHAT — VECTOR COMPONENTS AND UNIT VECTORS: a = <a1,a2,a3>. Magnitude |a| = sqrt(a1^2+a2^2+a3^2). Unit vector a-hat = a / |a| if a != 0. Negativ
• WHY — Why it matters: This rule is a separate learning unit inside scalars, vectors, components. It can be defined, applie

Labelled diagram