4.10.4

Scalar

Test yourself

Scalars and Straight Lines

A scalar is any number such as 10, π, -4, 12, 4.52, √6.

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Scalars and vectors

  • When a vector is multiplied by a scalar its direction does not change but its size does.
  • A negative scalar switches the direction of the vector.
  • To multiply a column vector by a scalar multiply both top and bottom numbers by the scalar.
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Straight lines

  • To show 3 points A, B and C lie in a straight line show that AB is a scalar multiple of BC.
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Ratios and lengths

  • If given side lengths in ratios you can translate this to vector form.
    • If AB : BC = 2 : 3 and A, B, C are in a straight line then 2 AB = 3 BC.

Jump to other topics

1Number

1.1Using Numbers

1.2Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.3Powers & Roots

1.4Accuracy

2Algebra

2.1Introduction to Algebra

2.2Manipulating Algebra

2.3Proofs & Functions

2.4Straight Line Graphs

2.5Common Graphs

2.6Transformations & Tangents

2.7Properties of Graphs

2.8Solving Equations

2.9Inequalities

2.10Sequences

3Ratio

4Geometry

4.1Introduction to Geometry

4.2Triangles & Quadrilaterals

4.3Transformations

4.4Circle Basics

4.5Circle Theorems

4.6Measurements & Units

4.7Calculating Area

4.8Triangle Formulae

4.93D Shapes

4.10Vectors

5Probability

6Statistics

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